Wasim Akram refuted suggestions yesterday that his position as Pakistan's captain was under serious threat, despite his suspension from the national team pending the completion of an inquiry into match fixing.

Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmed were also banned after this weekend's official publication of a Pakistan Cricket Board report. "I spoke to Mujeebur Rehman (who announced the ban) late last night," said Wasim, part of the Channel 4 commentary team at Lord's.

"We had an amicable chat, during which I arranged to return to Pakistan next week to discuss cricket matters for the forthcoming season. He did not mention anything about suspension. I am extremely bored by the whole subject.

"I absolutely refute any charges. This is more to do with politics than anything else. Betting and match-fixing allegations are damaging the game in Pakistan. Young cricketers are going to become scared of losing. Betting is widespread in Pakistan and when people lose bets, they have to have someone to blame."

The Pakistan Board's internal inquiry was leaked last September, since when its contents have become widely known, with Ijaz, Salim and Wasim the centre of most allegations. The interim board's official release of the report, and suspension of the three players, is therefore largely a cosmetic gesture to regain favour with the public.