Lahore, Aug 16  : Pakistan's Senate Committee on Privileges has summoned Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt to respond to charges that he maligned and questioned the credibility of some of its members on sports.

Senator Tahir Mashadi, who heads the privileges committee, said that Butt would be given a fair opportunity to defend himself.

"He will be questioned on why he tried to malign and question the credibility of some senators in the media," The Daily Times quoted Mashadi, as saying.

"If he is able to prove that he didn't breach the privileges of the Senators fine, but if he can't do this then he will be censured, a recommendation will be sent to the President and Prime Minister to remove him immediately and we will also move a privilege motion against him in the Senate," he added.

He further pointed out that it was not the first time that Butt was facing such charges.

Last year, some Senators had moved a privilege motion against him, but the matter was brushed under the carpet.

"This time the charges against Ijaz are more serious plus it is a fact that the Senate Standing Committee on Sports is concerned with the state of cricket affairs and also the poor performances of the team in England," Mashadi added.

The senator had earlier said that the Senate Sports Committee was aware of the growing criticism over the team's performances and the problems in Pakistan cricket.

"We are keeping an eye on everything and Ijaz and the PCB will have to explain many things," Mashadi had said.

Interestingly, Butt who is back home after a long stay in England is again due to leave for the United Kingdom next week. His tenure as PCB chief ends in October this year. (ANI)