ICC to give verdict on Pakistan trio on Feb. 5

DOHA, (Reuters) – The International Cricket Council  (ICC) tribunal will give its verdict on the three Pakistan  players accused of spot-fixing on Feb. 5, tribunal chairman  Michael Beloff said yesterday.

Former test captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad  Amir and Mohammad Asif will remain suspended.
“The Tribunal is determined to continue its deliberations  until Feb. 5 this year. Until that date all three players will  remain suspended,” Beloff said in a statement.

“The tribunal has throughout been very conscious of the  importance of these proceedings to the three players and to the  wider world of cricket.”

Salman Butt
Mohammad Amir

The players face lengthy bans if they are found guilty of  spot-fixing during Pakistan’s test series in England last year.
A British Sunday newspaper report alleged that they had  taken bribes to arrange for deliberate no-balls to be delivered  at pre-agreed times in the fourth test at Lord’s.

Charges against Asif and Amir relating to the third test at  the Oval have been dropped but one against Butt in the same  match remains.

FORMALLY ACQUITTED

“The ICC has withdrawn all charges against all three players  in relation to the Oval test except for one against Mr Butt. The  tribunal has formally acquitted the players in respect to the  charges that have been withdrawn,” Beloff said.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

The three players, none of whom is being backed by the  Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), have denied any involvement in  spot-fixing.

The hearing lasted more than 45 hours spread over six days  during which the tribunal heard oral testimony and tapes,  watched video recordings and listened to forensic submissions.

“Council for all parties have acknowledged they have had a  fair opportunity to present their respective cases,” Beloff  said.