| ICC Rule Pakistan Tour to Continue Despite Betting Scam Claims |
The President of the International Cricket Council, Sharad Pawar stated today that Pakistan's cricket tour of England will continue despite claims of spot-fixing against some of the players.Pakistan's Test captain Butt,wicketkeeper Akmal and fast bowlers Amir and Asif were questioned by police following a report in the News of the World that some Pakistan players had accepted money to bowl a series of no-balls during a test match against England at Lord's.
The allegations claimed that Amir and Asif bowled three no-balls on purpose to coincide with a specific time during the match. An "intermediary" apparently was handed £150,000 in cash from an undercover reporter.
"Police have not yet completed their investigation," said Pawar.
"It is the desire of the ICC and the cricket boards of England and Pakistan that the game should continue."
There is still no information suggesting the four players; Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Kamran Akmal, will be suspended.
Pakistan's team manager Yawar Saeed: "No allegations are true til they are proved."
Cricket agent Mazhar Majeed, 35, was identified as the middle-man in the cash hand over, but no charges have been made against him. He was released on bail after being taken in by police for questioning Sunday.
< Back to news index