Thaindian News

Doha, Jan 12 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has deferred its verdict on the spot-fixing investigation involving three Pakistani cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer in the Lord’s Test but gave the two fast bowlers a clean chit for The Oval Test.In a statement, Michael Beloff, the head of the three-member anti-corruption tribunal hearing the case, revealed that the previous Test at The Oval was also under investigation. Justice Albie Sachs from South Africa and Sharad Rao from Kenya are the other two members of the tribunal.

“The tribunal has been constituted to determine charges against Butt, Aamer and Asif brought under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code in relation to two Test matches played during August 2010 in the series between Pakistan and England, The Oval Test and the Lord’s Test,” Beloff said in a statement Tuesday.

Beloff, however, added that Aamer and Asif have been acquitted of all charges relating to The Oval Test, but all charges against Butt, who was captain at the time, stand.

“The ICC has withdrawn all charges against the three players in relation to The Oval Test except for one against Mr. Butt. The tribunal has formally acquitted the players in respect of the charges which have been withdrawn. The other charges which include all those relating to the Lord’s Test remain for consideration,” said Beloff.

Beloff said the tribunal has throughout been very conscious of the importance of these proceedings to the three players and to the wider world of cricket.

“Representations have been made to the tribunal to reserve any decision on the remaining charges until it has had sufficient time to give the issue the most careful consideration and until it is able, at the same time as handing down its decision, to provide written reasons. This was not feasible within the timetable agreed for this hearing in Doha.

“The tribunal has, therefore, determined to continue its deliberations and will hold a further hearing in Doha on 5 February 2011 at which its decisions will be handed down to the parties, and any consequential matters will be dealt with. Until that date, all the three players will remain suspended from all cricketing activities,” he said.