Karachi, May 29: Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf, who has also been accused of indulging in unlawful activities related to cricket during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), said in a press conference here on Wednesday that he is innocent and always maintained a distance from money, gifts or any sort of fixing throughout his life.

He said the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit has initiated a probe into the matter and that he was waiting for the outcome. Rauf was suspended from the upcoming Champions Trophy in England and Wales pending a probe.

Bollywood actor Vindoo Dara Singh, who was arrested for allegedly having links with bookies, had said that Rauf had given him vital information to place bets and that he was introduced to him through a bookie.

Rauf reportedly avoided media glare after returning to his country but received permission from the ICC to talk to the media and decided to give his version to prove his innocence. He said his name was being dragged into the scandal without the presence of any evidence against his name.

Rauf has officiated in 48 tests and 98 one-day internationals and is on the ICC elite panel.

OneIndia News