Pakistan Cricketers Accused of Spot Fixing

Pakistan's one-day cricket matches against England will take place as planned despite spot fixing allegations. Four Pakistani players have been questioned by police in London, including their captain.

Pakistan's tour of England will continue despite the fixing allegations made against some of the touring party's players.

The International Cricket Council, or ICC, President Sharad Pawar has ruled out the possibility of the team abandoning the remaining matches following allegations of spot fixing.

Pakistan test Captain Salman Butt, fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, were all questioned by police in London.

The allegations center on three no-balls from Amir and Asif during the fourth test against England at Lord's, which the News of the World newspaper alleges were bowled by pre-arrangement.

Pawar and other ICC officials, including the head of the council's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit Ravi Sawani, discussed the issue with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt, and his English counterpart Giles Clarke.

Former test umpire Dickie Bird said the allegations had dragged the game to its knees.

[Dickie Bird, Former Test Umpire]:
"If these allegations are found to be true and these players are found guilty then this game is in a serious mess."

He adds that the allegations against Amir could ruin the young player's cricketing career.

[Dickie Bird, Former Test Umpire]:
"He's only 18 years of age. The world would have been his oyster. He had everything going for him, he'd have made a lot of money out of commercials, TV, what-have-you and now that lad, if he's found guilty, I'm afraid will be banned from the game."

Bird, who has officiated in 66 tests and 69 one day internationals, says the remaining dates on the Pakistan tour should be cancelled.