I was never approached by bookies: Vaas

Former Sri Lankan seamer Chaminda Vaas said he was never approached by any bookmaker during his 16-year-old International cricketing career.

"During my career that spanned sixteen years, I was never approached by any match fixers and I even was aware of such an occurrence only during the latter stages," Vaas told the Sunday Times.

"But, very honestly I have to say that if any one is approached he must first ask himself whether it is the right choice that he is making and turn to the one who you believe in and ask the same question again," Vaas said.

The Scotland Yard and the ICC is running a parallel probe on suspended Pakistan trio -- Test captain Salman Butt and pacers Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif -- for spot-fixing allegations during the Lord's Test.

Vaas, who played in 111 Tests and 322 ODIs and bagged 355 Test wickets and 400 ODIs scalps respectively, said players should refrain from getting into match fixing and report any such incident immediately to the authorities.

"I find it not worth. What you make illegally is a short gain it will not take you anywhere, it is with great difficulty that one makes the grade to represent your country and that is an honour isn't that enough," the fast bowler said.

"They also must think of other players who have missed the bus even if they were as good as you in whatever skill. Even if you are approached the path is very clear – go to the authorities and report the matter and then the matter is off your hands it is as easy as that," Vaas said.