… Butt, Amir and Asif remain suspended
(REUTERS) – The outcome of an ICC probe into three Pakistan cricketers at the centre of a corruption scandal involving spot-fixing will drag on into next month after cricket’s world governing body said a tribunal will give its verdict on February 5. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said former Test captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif will remain suspended.
“The Tribunal is determined to continue its deliberations until February 5 this year. Until that date all three players will remain suspended,” tribunal chairman Michael Beloff said in a statement yesterday.
“The tribunal has throughout been very conscious of the importance of these proceedings to the three players and to the wider world of cricket.”
The players face lengthy bans if they are found guilty of spot-fixing during Pakistan’s Test series in England last year.
A British Sunday newspaper report alleged that they had taken bribes to arrange for deliberate no-balls to be delivered at pre-agreed times in the fourth Test at Lord’s.
Charges against Asif and Amir relating to the third Test at the Oval have been dropped but one against Butt in the same match remains.

FORMALLY ACQUITTED
“The ICC has withdrawn all charges against all three players in relation to the Oval Test except for one against Mr Butt. The tribunal has formally acquitted the players in respect to the charges that have been withdrawn,” Beloff said.
“The other charges which include all those relating to the Lord’s Test remain in consideration.”
The three players, none of whom is being backed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), have denied any involvement in spot-fixing.
The hearing lasted more than 45 hours spread over six days during which the tribunal heard oral testimony and tapes, watched video recordings and listened to forensic submissions.
“Council for all parties have acknowledged they have had a fair opportunity to present their respective cases,” Beloff said.
Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas said he was surprised by the delay.
“The ICC tribunal should have decided beforehand how much time they would require to reach a decision. This delay is unfair on the players who are already under a lot of stress,” he told Reuters.
“This case deals with the careers of three players and could have a big impact on international cricket.”