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The allegations first surfaced last month but the club was not able to comment due to an on-going Police investigation which is yet to be completed. The interesting thing was that Kaneria did not meet up with his club Essex for the start of the County Championship as it was said he was taking part in a domestic tournament in Pakistan. This raises suspicion even more that he is one of the players involved as it likely Kaneria would have chosen to come over to England and play for his county rather than take part in domestic games in Pakistan.

If it is the case that Kaneria is involved, the PCB should come down on him hard. Taking into account the recent punishments handed out to the other Pakistan players; I think the PCB will do just that. Once again, another Pakistan player has brought shame on his nation. Engaging in this kind of thing at home is bad enough but to do it having been invited to play in another country would be an absolute disgraceful act.

Let’s hope that it was all misunderstanding although the early signs do not look good.

Andrew Strauss said that English counties were being short sighted and national selector Geoff Miller said he was “disappointed” at the developments. Yet their responses could have been much more positive. They should have said that it doesn’t matter and that it also gives us (England) a chance to have a closer look at their players. It can work both ways.

And surprise surprise, the Aussies have picked up on the negativeness with Phil Hughes going back home and giving interviews (with a cheeky grin) which would have made Strauss and Miller pull their hair out about how he “thoroughly enjoyed” his time and with the grounds he played at “It couldn’t have really worked out any better”. He’s still 20 and he’s got the English panicking like dithering fools already.

The Ashes are still a while off. Stuart Clark and Phil Hughes may play in County cricket but they will have to get used to it all over again by the time the Ashes comes around.

Whether or not the counties should have allowed this is another question. It’s England’s manner of response to the fact the counties did that is the real worry.

Since his hair transplant, Rana has been given a new lease of life emerging as a genuine all-rounder.

With the ICL having released him from his contract on request, and Shoaib suffering a skin problem, Rana should be a shoe-in for the up and coming Twenty20 World Cup.