(REUTERS) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) will convene a preliminary hearing into allegations of spot-fixing against three Pakistani players in 40 days time.
Tafazzul Rizvi, legal adviser to the Pakistan Cricket Board, said that the players, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, had exercised their right to a preliminary hearing against their suspension over the scandal and filed responses.
The players had asked for a hearing to air their point of view, Rizvi said. “The ICC will now convene a hearing in 40 days time.”
The three players were suspended on September 4 by the ICC for their alleged involvement in spot-fixing during the fourth Test against England at Lord’s.
Rizvi said the tour selection committee took the decision not to select Wahab Riaz, who is due to be questioned by police for the one-day matches, denying it was a result of ICC or PCB pressure.
“He is available for selection as any other player in the touring squad,” Rizvi said.
Meanwhile, a review of the ICC’s anti-corruption measures is to be carried out after a call from the 10 Test-playing nations.
The ICC’s chief executives’ committee (CEC) says a wide-ranging and possibly independent review of the current measures is needed in the wake of the spot-fixing allegations.
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said that a review is “already under way”.
He added: “It is not enough that the ICC is regarded by other sporting organisations as a leader in the battle against corruption in sport.
“We must continue to assess and, where necessary, improve our processes. The recent allegations have reminded everyone of the need to remain vigilant and to ensure public confidence in our sport.
“CEC has wisely recommended a thorough review of all our procedures and protocols and that is something which is already under way.
“I am especially keen to engage with governments to consider the regulation of betting and also to consider the accreditation of player representatives or agents.
“While the present investigations are ongoing we will not discuss or comment on any specific issues, but this incident is a warning for all of us. We must heed those warnings and heed them quickly.”
The CEC comprises the chief executives of the 10 Test-playing members, including the ECB’s David Collier, and three representatives from affiliated countries.