The International Cricket Council last night suspended Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer – pending charges on “various offences” under the anti-corruption code.
The three players have been at the centre of their sport’s ‘spot-fixing’ crisis since being named in a Sunday newspaper expose, alleging attempts to defraud illegal bookmakers.
It was announced yesterday morning they would play no part in the forthcoming limited-overs matches between Pakistan and England, although they have also professed their innocence in the alleged plot.
Pakistan Test captain Butt, Asif and Aamer have been officially notified of the offences they are alleged to have committed. In accordance with the provisions of the code, they are immediately barred from participating in all cricket and related activities until the case has been concluded.
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat last night took the opportunity to reiterate the world governing body’s firm stance on any ‘match-fixing’ transgressions.
“We will not tolerate corruption in cricket – simple as that,” he said. “We must be decisive with such matters – and, if proven, these offences carry serious penalties up to a life ban. The ICC will do everything possible to keep such conduct out of the game, and we will stop at nothing to protect the sport’s integrity.
“While we believe the problem is not widespread, we must always be vigilant.
“It is important, however, that we do not pre-judge the guilt of these three players. That is for the independent tribunal alone to decide.”
The players have the right to contest the suspension and defend the charges at a tribunal hearing, whose date and location will be announced if necessary – should the players choose to do so in the next 14 days.
The ‘spot-fixing’ controversy had already taken a new twist yesterday when Wajid Shamsul Hasan, the Pakistan High Commissioner, cast doubt on the authenticity of evidence presented by the Sunday newspaper.
Hasan was speaking after he and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt interviewed Butt, Asif and Aamer over claims they bowled no-balls to order in the Lord’s Test.
It was also confirmed yesterday morning that the three would take no part, in any case, in two Twenty20 matches and five one-day internationals against England – set to start in Cardiff on Sunday.
The explanation was that they would be left out at their own request, because of the stress of the past week. But Hasan subsequently questioned whether or not the newspaper’s tapes apparently correctly identifying the exact time when no-balls would occur, should be taken at face value.
Hasan said: “We are not seeing on the video what the date is or what the time is.
“It could have been filmed before or after the match, or at a different time.”
Asked if he believes the three players might have been “set up”, he responded: “Yes, I would say that. Yes.”