KARACHI. July 6: Former captain Imran Khan on Tuesday lashed out at the government for ordering an inquiry into match-fixing allegations, following the Pakistani team's defeat in last month's World Cup final, reports AFP.

"They try to find scapegoats and nothing else," said Imran, who retired after leading Pakistan to the 1992 World Cup triumph and later entered politics, launching his own Movement for Justice political party.-

The government last week asked the anti-corruption Accountability Bureau to conduct the probe after allegations the final against Australia was

rigged.

Defending the national team. Imran said it was "the mere pressure of the final that the team succumbed and nothing else."

The defeat of the side led by Wasim Akram sparked an outcry and allegations of match fixing.

"Every loss here is linked with drinking, gambling and match fixing. It is ridiculous." Imran said.

He hit out at the Pakistan cricket authorities for not resolving match-fixing allegations when they first began to surface.

"The matter should have been solved four years ago. But the Cricket Board delayed all this to save their offices."

Three Australian players. Shane Warne. Tim May and Mark Waugh in 1995 accused then Pakistan captain Salim Malikof offering them bribes to perform poorly in a Test match at Karachi.

The commission resumes its hearing on Thursday and is expected to finalise its findings this month.

"I can't understand why the commission delayed the report until after the World Cup. There is no link between justice and the World Cup,” Imran said.

He said he believed the delay was also a factor increasing pressure on the players during the World Cup.

"It was hanging like a sword over the players heads. Boys shiver that if they lose, they have to face allegations."