FORMER Pakistan Test cricketer Nadeem Abbasi has leapt to the defence of new Read professional Akram Raza.

Raza was fined after an investigation into match-fixing in Pakistan this summer and Read were criticised for taking on a 'tainted' player.

But Abbasi, who is Raza's agent, defended the appointment.

He said: "There was no evidence apart from one player's testimony against him (Raza) and other players, and therefore it was not possible for the judge to find them guilty of match fixing.

"The judge went on to recommend the players be watched, warned and their finances be investigated. He also stated 'the implication is that they were involved in some extent in match fixing'.

"Raza was fined 100,000 rupees, around £1,500."

And Abbasi believes it is now all water under the bridge.

"This news was long ago -- 'fish and chip' paper in Pakistan -- and the players that were fined are happily playing international cricket and there have been no problems with them," he said.

"The Ribblesdale League standard is being increased with these types of players as professionals. Amateurs enjoy playing against them and taking them on. A cricket board, be it Indian or Pakistani, has any jurisdiction here and the ECB were happy with the situation this season, as I spoke at director level to them."