THE Ribblesdale League was today hit with fresh controversy after Read unveiled their new pro Akram Raza, who was fined as part of Pakistan's betting scandal.
The 36-year-old was named in the Qayyum Report, which recommended that Blackburn Northern pro Ata ur Rehman be banned.
Raza was fined between $2,000 and $6,000 for his alleged part in the betting scandal.
The Riblesdale League was rocked when Padiham pro Ajay Sharma was named in the investigation into match-fixing in India. Padiham withdrew their offer of a contract for next season after the report was published.
Raza, who is from Lahore, replaces Peter Sleep, who was Read's professional for two year. He said: "I am very pleased to have joined Read and to have followed in the footsteps of Peter Sleep."
Raza, who captained Pakistani first class side Habib Bank to national honours at four-day and one-day level, played 49 one-day games and nine test matches for Pakistan up to 1994.
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