World cricket was rocked as Pakistan’s cricket team were embroiled in an alleged betting scam Sunday after British police arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers during the fourth Test against England at Lord’s.
Britain’s News of the World newspaper claimed it paid 150,000 pounds to a middle man Mazhar Majeed in return for details about the timing of three no-balls in the fourth Test at Lord’s.
The report gave detailed Pakistan seamers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif delivering the blatant no-balls at the exact points in the match agreed with the alleged fixer, who it was also suggested by the paper, was in contact with captain Salman Butt.
The allegations of spot-fixing that broke at the close of play on Saturday completely overshadowed the final morning of the fourth Test, in which England wrapped up Pakistan’s last six wickets to win by an innings and 225 runs.
The issue has already escalated to the highest levels of the PCB. PTV, Pakistan’s state broadcaster, quoting official sources, said that the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, who is also patron of the PCB (who appoints the chairman), has taken strong notice of the spot-fixing scandal and has asked the PCB to submit a detailed preliminary report.
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