Detectives are investigating an alleged betting scam involving Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt along with two of the nation’s prime strike bowlers.
Following the arrest of a man on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers during the fourth Test against England at Lord’s, Butt, Mohammad Aamer, and Mohammad Asif were interviewed by officers from Scotland Yard.
The arrested individual, identified as cricket agent Mazhar Majeed, has reportedly been released on bail without charge.
According to The News of the World newspaper, Majeed received £150,000 ($A262,720) for providing details regarding the timing of three no-balls during the match.
The report indicates that Aamer and Asif delivered obvious no-balls precisely at the moments specified by the alleged fixer beforehand.
Yawar Saeed, the manager of the Pakistan team, revealed that detectives visited the team’s hotel to question Butt and the bowlers regarding the allegations.
All three provided statements to the police, who confiscated their mobile phones.
Scotland Yard has stated that they cannot disclose the names of individuals interviewed as part of the investigation.
These allegations have sparked outrage in Pakistan, with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressing that the claims “have bowed our heads in shame” while initiating an inquiry.
Meanwhile, the fourth and final Test match between the two countries proceeded as usual at Lord’s, where Pakistan suffered a record defeat by losing six wickets rapidly, granting England victory in the four-match series.
In an unusual move, the post-match presentation ceremony was held indoors in the Long Room of the Lord’s pavilion rather than on the field.
During this ceremony, ECB chairman Giles Clarke notably refused to shake Aamer’s hand while presenting him with the Pakistan Man of the Series award.
The International Cricket Council emphasized that no players or team officials had been arrested in connection with the fixing allegations.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Saeed asserted that Pakistan cricket is not “institutionally corrupt.”
“I would not like to say that,” he stated. “While there have been allegations, I would prefer not to go that far.”
Butt, remaining resolute, declared that he would not resign as Test team captain due to the allegations.
Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed their request for involvement in the ongoing investigation.
These latest allegations represent yet another setback for cricket in Pakistan, which is already struggling, with home matches unavailable due to concerns over terrorism.
The team has faced persistent ‘fixing’ allegations and has also been involved in ball-tampering incidents.
