Pak umpire Asad Rauf happy to face ICC anti-corruption inquiry

Pakistan umpire Asad Rauf Wednesday denied spot-fixing allegations levelled against him during the Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition, saying he was ready to face any inquiry.

Rauf, who was serving as an elite level international umpire, was withdrawn by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from next month's Champions Trophy in England after media reports said that he was under police investigation.

"I vehemently deny allegations of match-fixing, spot-fixing, taking gifts (from bookmakers) and any illegal money," 57-year-old Rauf said in his first public statement since returning from India.

"I am ready to face any inquiry if the ICC's anti-corruption unit wants to conduct any," he added.

The investigations started on May 16 when Delhi police arrested three cricketers, including former Test fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, accusing them of deliberately bowling badly in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars during the lucrative IPL.

Indian media alleged Rauf was in contact with Bollywood actor Vindu Dara Singh, arrested on charges of acting as middleman between bookies, players and officials.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) distanced itself from the controversy, saying Rauf was under ICC control and the event was held in India, but assured action would be taken against Rauf if the governing body ordered it.

Rauf, also a former first-class cricketer, was included in the Elite Panel in 2006 and has so far stood in 48 Tests, 98 one-day internationals and 23 Twenty20 internationals.

Rauf said he had never been interested in fixing or backhanders.

Rauf said he was only withdrawn from the tournament and not removed from the panel of top umpires approved to stand in Tests and one-day internationals.