Asad Rauf is innocent, says his manager

Karachi: The manager of Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf, allegedly under the scanner in the Indian Premier League spot-fixing scandal, today claimed that his client has not indulged in corruption and is innocent.

"Asad has no links with any bookie nor is he involved in any corrupt practice. He has had a very clean career," Rauf`s manager Shahzad Ahmed told PTI. "I think it is totally unfair the way the media has taken it for granted that Asad is guilty or he has done something wrong. This media trial is unjust," he said. Rauf, who has been withdrawn from the Champions Trophy umpires` panel by the International Cricket Council, has returned to his hometown Lahore quietly. Sources close to Rauf, 57, said that he had been advised by the ICC not to speak to the media and keep a low profile until the matter is resolved. The ICC withdrew him from the Champions Trophy in the wake of reports that he was under police investigation in connection with IPL spot-fixing scandal. Shahzad said the fact that his client returned home after completing his quota of matches in the IPL confirmed that he was innocent and not required in any investigation. Last year, Rauf was also linked to a police complaint filed by an Indian model who accused him of sexual harassment and not living up to his promise of marrying her. Rauf, one of Pakistan`s more experienced umpires, has officiated in 48 Tests and 98 ODIs. PTI