Bacher, former head of the UCB, voiced the allegations in 2000 when giving evidence to the King commission in South Africa.

Now executive director for the 2003 World Cup, he said he had been told Pakistan played fixed World Cup matches against Bangladesh and India.

But, despite letters and requests from the Pakistani commission, Bacher has so far failed to get in touch.

"We have sent a letter to the South African cricket board asking them to convince Dr Bacher to give his statement in person or by post to the commission," commission registrar Kazim Ali Malik said.

"We really don't know why Dr Bacher has not responded so far to our letters.

"The commission feels his statement or any information he can share with it would have a important bearing on his findings."

The commission began proceedings in the Lahore High Court in September and is set to wind up its inquiry and submit a report to the government by January 31.

"Even if the South African board cannot help us get Dr Bacher to give a statement, the commission will call no more witnesses and will submit its report on time," Malik said.

No admissions

The World Cup inquiry commission is the second major probe into match-fixing allegations held in Pakistan.

The first, by Justice Malik Qayyum, recommended a life ban on former captain Salim Malik and seam bowler Ata-ur-Rehman.

It also resulted in fines for Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mushtaq Ahmed, Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul-Haq, all still members of the Pakistan squad.

No current Pakistan player has admitted match-fixing.

Captain Waqar Younis has denied involvement along with Wasim Akram, who led the team at the World Cup.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar, Moin Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed have also issued denials.

But former skipper Aamir Sohail told the commission he believed the problem had not yet been dealt with, and urged protection for those who wished to speak out.