Scotland Yard on Friday handed over an initial file of evidence against Pakistani cricketers alleged to have been involved in spot-fixing during the Test series against England.
“The Metropolitan Police Service has today delivered an initial file of evidence relating to conspiracy to defraud bookmakers to the Crown Prosecution Service,” a Scotland Yard spokesman said.
“The file will now be subject to CPS consideration. This is an initial file and the Met [police] investigation continues.” The spokesman did not give details, but detectives have so far interviewed four Pakistani players – Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz – following the publication of the allegations by the News of the World.
Police, who raided players’ hotel rooms and seized mobile phones, said they have evidence that there was a “conspiracy to defraud bookmakers.” Detectives had also arrested businessman Mazhar Majeed for accepting £150,000 (1.08 crore approx) to fix the actions of several players during the last Test at Lord's.
Amir and Asif were alleged to have deliberately bowled three no-balls at the precise moments predicted by Majeed. The International Cricket Council has suspended the players, but they deny all charges.
The cricketers have flown back to Pakistan, but will have to attend trial if the CPS presses charges.
{{/usCountry}}The cricketers have flown back to Pakistan, but will have to attend trial if the CPS presses charges.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, Essex fast bowler Mervyn Westfield will become the first English cricketer to stand trial for spot-fixing. Police say Westfield deliberately bowled wides in a match against Durham last season.