GREAT Harwood stalwart David Edwards is launching a one-man crusade against the match-fixers by demanding action against Blackburn Northern professional Ata-ur-Rehman.

Ata is facing a ban from international Cricket for life after admitting accepting money to under-perform in a one-day international in New Zealand in 1994.

However, the Pakistani pace bowler hasn't been blocked from playing in the Jennings Ribblesdale League.

And Edwards believes that's wrong. "He shouldn't be able to play cricket in this country or anywhere," said the Great Harwood member, who follows the Cliffe Park club home and away.

"People might say it's wrong to take away his livelihood. But he has a right to earn a living, just not at cricket.

"If he was made to do that it would show him and other people that they are throwing a lot away.

"If nothing happens and they are still allowed to play it's a disgusting situation -- and what sort of example is it setting to youngsters ?"

Edwards has written to the League, the ICC and now the Lancashire and English Cricket Boards in an effort to get some action taken against Ata, who is also facing a perjury charge after changing his evidence to the recent Pakistan match-fixing enquiry.

The ICC says the matter is up to the individual boards and/or leagues to take any action they consider appropriate and Edwards is adamant that the League should take the lead in banning Ata. "I think the League should stop it. I would like to see the League take a stance, even if it's to suspend the guy until further notice," added Edwards, who is also disappointed that Blackburn Northern are continuing to employ a player who has been found guilty of having a role in attempted match-fixing.

However, the League has put the matter in the hands of the LCB as it becomes apparent that Ata's presence is causing some concern in local cricket circles.

Secretary Rod Slater confirmed: "I have contacted the LCB to see what we should be doing. At the moment they are waiting to hear from the ECB and we haven't heard anything from anyone since.

"We are waiting from guidance from the LCB."

He added: "I certainly think there's some feeling of frustration in the league. It does get the league noticed but it's not the best thing in the world to know the league exists because we have got players under scrutiny."

Edwards doesn't want the matter merely to be determined by the ending of the season and wants his own club to force some action.

He added: "I am going to approach our committee at Great Harwood to take the lead in showing my disgust."

LCB rules stipulate that no-one can play in a member league or for an affiliated club who has been found guilty of conduct which has justified his expulsion or suspension from any organisation.