Lorgat defends ICC action

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat believes suspending the three Pakistan cricketers under investigation for 'spot-fixing' shows the sport's governing body means business (Pakistan 11/8 - to win 1st T20).

Captain Salman Butt, along with bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir have been charged under Article 2 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for Players and Player Support Personnel relating to irregular behaviour in the fourth Test at Lord's.

They were allegedly ordered to bowl no-balls at specific times in the match as part of a betting scam exposed by the News of the World.

The star trio will play no further part of the current tour of England, with two T20s and five one-day internationals still to play, and Lorgat feels that, while the players are innocent until proven guilty, swift and decisive action had to be taken for the future of the game.

"We will not tolerate corruption in cricket - simple as that," he said. "We must be decisive with such matters - and if proven, these offences carry serious penalties up to a life ban. The ICC will do everything possible to keep such conduct out of the game, and we will stop at nothing to protect the sport's integrity."

He added: "It is important, however, that we do not pre-judge the guilt of these three players. That is for the independent tribunal alone to decide."

Pakistan High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan was unhappy with the ICC's decision as he believes the police should have been left to investigate the matter, and the scandal which has rocked the world of cricket looks set to run and run (Pakistan 6/1 - to win World Cup).