ASIF: ‘SPOT-FIXING’ CRICKETERS IN COURT
Three Pakistani cricketers accused of spot-fixing in last summer’s Test series appeared in court today (Tue) for a preliminary hearing in their case.
Fast bowlers Mohammad Asif, 28, and Mohammad Amir, 19, are said to have plotted with former captain Salman Butt, 26, to bowl deliberate no balls in the Lords and Oval tests.
They were charged after the News of the World reported that no balls were bowled at specific points in England’s innings after a £140,000 payment was made to businessman Mazher Majeed.
Majeed, 36, also faces criminal charges over the alleged conspiracy.
Asif, Amir and Majeed appeared in the dock at Southwark Crown Court today for preliminary legal arguments in their case,
Butt appeared in court via videolink from Lahore in Pakistan.
All four are due to stand trial at Southwark on October 4 this year. It is estimated that the trial will last for four weeks.
The three cricketers, who all gave addresses in Lahore, Pakistan, and Majeed, of (82) Oaks Road, Croydon, south London, are charged with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments and conspiracy to cheat.
ENDS
