Pakistan were booed off the pitch by their own fans at Lord's today amidst match-fixing allegations in the Fourth Test against England.
The team's captain Salman Butt, bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif and wicket keeper Kamran Akmal have all been questioned by Scotland Yard.
Mazhar Majeed, a 35-year-old agent, has been arrested after being accused of taking cash to get Pakistan's players to deliberately bowl no balls in the Fourth Test against England.
Maybe the fact that these players weren't interested in winning the match may have had some bearing on the fact that Pakistan suffered their heaviest ever Test match defeat. England scored 446 in the First Innings. In reply, Pakistan scored a poxy 74 -the third time in the Series that they have failed to get out of double figures. They were put in to bat first in the Second Innings and scored 147. England won by an innings and 225 runs, Pakistan's heaviest ever Test defeat. England won the four match series 3-1.
The match-fixing allegations came to light after undercover reporters with hidden video cameras from the News of the World newspaper paid a middleman, Mazhar Majeed, £150,000 and in return were told exact details relating to play during the following day.
The allegations centre on the timing of no balls delivered during the Fourth Test of the four Test series between England and Pakistan at Lord's in London. During the Test, some of Pakistan's bowlers bowled no balls during the exact overs in which Majeed said the no balls were to be bowled. There are 11 instances in cricket when a no ball can be called, but is most commonly when a bowler bowls the ball towards the batsman and the whole of the bowler's front foot crosses the line - the popping crease - from which he bowls from. The batting team is awarded a run and the ball must be bowled again.
Some of the alleged deliberate no balls were bowled when the Pakistani bowler's front foot was way over the line, when normally it only just crosses the line.
Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal and Azhar Ali were greeted my muted applause as they walked to the crease for the start of today's play earlier.
The pressure on the Pakistan team was obviously taking its toll as the team refused the opportunity to warm up before the resumption of play. Pakistan were bowled out for 147 in the Second Innings by England after scoring a pathetic 74 in the First Innings in reply to England 446 and suffered their worst ever Test defeat.
England so dominated the match that it was scarcely believable, and England batsmen Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad produced a World Record eighth-wicket stand of 332. But how much this was a proper victory for England or merely as a result of several Pakistan players being involved in match-fixing in the match is open to debate.
Angry cricket fans threatened to demand their money back over the scandal.
David Lawrence, 44, said his six-year-old son's first day at a match had been 'overshadowed' by claims surrounding the Pakistani players.
This is not the first time Pakistan have been dogged by controversy, and not the first time against England. In 2006, in a match between England and Pakistan, Australian umpire Darrell Hair accused Pakistan of cheating by tampering with the ball. In an extraordinary protest, the Pakistan team then refused to take to the field to continue the match, leaving Hair to claim that Pakistan had forfeited the match and awarded England victory.
Defeated Pakistan team booed by own supporters as they leave Lord's in wake of 'multi-million match-fixing scandal'
By Mailonline Reporter
29th August 2010
Daily Mail
1st Innings
England: 446
Pakistan: 74
2nd Innings
Pakistan: 147
England win by an innings and 225 runs, Pakistan's heaviest ever Test defeat. England win the Series 3-1.
Pakistan's defeated cricket team were today booed by their own supporters as they left Lord's in the wake of explosive claims about match fixing.
The team's captain Salman Butt, bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif and wicket keeper Kamran Akmal have all been questioned by Scotland Yard.
Mazhar Majeed, a 35-year-old agent, has been arrested after being accused of taking cash to get players to deliberately bowl no balls in a test match against England.
Despite the allegations, play continued in the fourth Test today. But Pakistan quickly went on to lose by an innings and 225 runs.
Amir, one of the players accused of bowling no balls, was named Pakistan's man of the series.
Award: Pakistan's man of the series Mohammad Amir - one of the players accused of bowling no balls - receives a cheque for £4,000 from Giles Clarke, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board today
The allegations centre on the timing of no balls delivered during the Lord's Test match.
Undercover reporters from the News Of The World allegedly paid a middleman £150,000 and in return were told exact details relating to play during the following day.
Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal and Azhar Ali were greeted my muted applause as they walked to the crease for the start of play earlier today.
The pressure on the Pakistan team was obviously taking its toll as the team refused the opportunity to warm up before the resumption of play.
Return: Pakistani cricket players Mohammad Amir, left, and Mohammad Asif arrive at the team hotel tonight after their defeat against England
Probe: Pakistan's Mohammad Amir at Lord's today. He is one of the players named in the alleged scandal
Mohammad Asif (left) and captain Salman Butt arrive for the fourth day of the Fourth Test at Lord's today in the wake of match fixing allegations
Angry cricket fans threatened to demand their money back over the scandal.
David Lawrence, 44, said his six-year-old son's first day at a match had been 'overshadowed' by claims surrounding the Pakistani players.
Speaking outside the gates before play started, the operations manager, from Kingston, south London, said: 'It's pretty horrendous, the evidence is very convincing against the players.
'It undermines everything we are watching.
'My son, Matthew, has never been before. It's doesn't ruin it for us but does overshadow things. It leaves a bitter taste.'
Mark Stevens, 35, from Bath, added: 'It's just very disappointing - I'll be wanting my hard-earned cash back if the players turn out to be guilty.'
Pensive: Pakistan's Umar Gul, left, speaks to manager Yawar Saeed, right, at Lord's today
Story: Pakistan's manager Yawar Saeed, right, and assistant manager Shafqat Ranan read about the allegations today
Chris Bowley, a 30-year-old software engineer, from Reading, said today's action would be 'pretty pointless'.
'It makes you wonder what we are all doing here,' he said. 'It is still very early days but it's sad for the sport.'
Patrick Archibald, 42, an England fan who was born in Karachi, Pakistan, blamed the betting industry.
'If bookies were not allowed to take bets on bowls then we wouldn't have these ridiculous situations in the first place,' he said.
'It is the bookmakers' fault not the players who earn nowhere near the amounts seen in other sports, such as football.'
Over the line: Amir bowls a no-ball at the Lord's Test on Friday
In a joint statement, the International Cricket Council (ICC), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said last night: 'No players nor team officials have been arrested in relation to this incident and the fourth Npower Test match will continue as scheduled on Sunday.'
The statement added that all three bodies were assisting police with their inquiries and would make no further comment.
Former players joined together to express their anger at the allegations.
Intrigue: MCC members read about the match-fixing allegations today during the Fourth Test match at Lord's
Claims: Pakistan team members and management watch the match from the dressing room balcony today
Michael Vaughan, former England cricket captain, wrote on social networking site Twitter: 'Anger is my thoughts at the moment. ... it's just a great shame why this has to happen. Very sad.'
Former England fast bowler Angus Fraser told Sky News: 'Everyone with a deep love or interest for the game will be absolutely appalled by these allegations.'
He added: 'Cricket has got to get a grip, a sport cannot afford to be surrounded by such a controversy.'
Last night, the manager of Pakistan's cricket team confirmed that British police were questioning players over the allegations.
Yawar Saeed told The Associated Press: 'I can confirm that we are aware of the allegations and Scotland Yard police are with us now at the hotel and we are helping them with their inquiries.'
A source close to the team management last night appeared confident that there was no substance in the claims.
'I'm confident it is b*******t," the source said.
Proud: England captain Andrew Strauss holds the trophy after the win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the fourth Test match today
Scotland Yard said it arrested a man in relation to the newspaper's investigation.
A force spokesman said: 'Following information received from the News of the World we have today (Saturday August 28 ) arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers.'
The brother and business partner of the man arrested said today that the allegations were 'just rubbish'.
Past sporting scandals
The Pakistani side has been dogged by a number of controversies, including match fixing scandals, since the 1990s.
Four years ago, the team were accused of ball tampering during a tour to England.
Australian umpire Darrell Hair ruled that Pakistan had forfeited the Test at London's Oval by refusing to take the field in a protest over his ball-tampering ruling.
In May this year the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit looked at the team's poor performance after being heavily beaten by Australia during a tour of the country.
Following reports of infighting in the team, the Pakistani Cricket Board banned former captain Younus Khan and tour captain Mohammad Yousuf for an indefinite period.
Former captain Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan were banned for one year and fined heavily.
Last year a committee of Pakistan's parliament summoned senior figures from the team to discuss allegations that they deliberately lost a Champions Trophy match to prevent hated enemies India from reaching the semi-finals.
Azhar Majeed confirmed to the Associated Press that his brother Mazhar Majeed was the man arrested by police in relation to the News of the World's sting.
He said the claims were 'laughable', adding: 'I thought it was just rubbish.'
In video footage released by the News of the World, Mazhar Majeed is apparently seen with a pile of money in front of him.
Speaking about his brother's arrest, Azhar Majeed told the Associated Press: "I'm extremely worried. Nothing like this has ever happened to us. Ever.
'I have no idea as to what happened and what's led to him counting out that money.'
The News of the World reporting team claims it was told exactly when three no balls would be bowled during the current Test.
England look close to an innings victory as they return to the field today after taking 14 Pakistan wickets yesterday.
They are heading for a 3-1 victory in the four-match Test series which now looks set to be overshadowed by events off the field.
The Pakistani side has been dogged by match fixing scandals and allegations of cheating since the 1990s.
Four years ago, the team were accused of ball tampering during a tour to England.
Australian umpire Darrell Hair ruled that Pakistan had forfeited the Test at London's Oval by refusing to take the field in a protest over his ball-tampering ruling.
In May this year the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit looked at the team's poor performance after being heavily beaten by Australia during a tour of the country.
Umpire Darrell Hair, pictured here with England star Monty Panesar, ruled that Pakistan had forfeited the Test at London's Oval by refusing to take the field in a protest over his ball-tampering ruling
Following reports of infighting in the team, the Pakistani Cricket Board banned former captain Younus Khan and tour captain Mohammad Yousuf for an indefinite period.
Former captain Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan were banned for one year and fined heavily.
Last year a committee of Pakistan's parliament summoned senior figures from the team to discuss allegations that they deliberately lost a Champions Trophy match to prevent India from reaching the semi-finals.
In addition, security fears in the sub-continent saw international teams refuse to play in Pakistan.
Repeated incidents of terrorism including an attack on the visiting Sri Lankan team resulted in the Pakistan team playing all their games overseas.
dailymail.co.uk
The team's captain Salman Butt, bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif and wicket keeper Kamran Akmal have all been questioned by Scotland Yard.
Mazhar Majeed, a 35-year-old agent, has been arrested after being accused of taking cash to get Pakistan's players to deliberately bowl no balls in the Fourth Test against England.
Maybe the fact that these players weren't interested in winning the match may have had some bearing on the fact that Pakistan suffered their heaviest ever Test match defeat. England scored 446 in the First Innings. In reply, Pakistan scored a poxy 74 -the third time in the Series that they have failed to get out of double figures. They were put in to bat first in the Second Innings and scored 147. England won by an innings and 225 runs, Pakistan's heaviest ever Test defeat. England won the four match series 3-1.
The match-fixing allegations came to light after undercover reporters with hidden video cameras from the News of the World newspaper paid a middleman, Mazhar Majeed, £150,000 and in return were told exact details relating to play during the following day.
The allegations centre on the timing of no balls delivered during the Fourth Test of the four Test series between England and Pakistan at Lord's in London. During the Test, some of Pakistan's bowlers bowled no balls during the exact overs in which Majeed said the no balls were to be bowled. There are 11 instances in cricket when a no ball can be called, but is most commonly when a bowler bowls the ball towards the batsman and the whole of the bowler's front foot crosses the line - the popping crease - from which he bowls from. The batting team is awarded a run and the ball must be bowled again.
Some of the alleged deliberate no balls were bowled when the Pakistani bowler's front foot was way over the line, when normally it only just crosses the line.
Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal and Azhar Ali were greeted my muted applause as they walked to the crease for the start of today's play earlier.
The pressure on the Pakistan team was obviously taking its toll as the team refused the opportunity to warm up before the resumption of play. Pakistan were bowled out for 147 in the Second Innings by England after scoring a pathetic 74 in the First Innings in reply to England 446 and suffered their worst ever Test defeat.
England so dominated the match that it was scarcely believable, and England batsmen Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad produced a World Record eighth-wicket stand of 332. But how much this was a proper victory for England or merely as a result of several Pakistan players being involved in match-fixing in the match is open to debate.
Angry cricket fans threatened to demand their money back over the scandal.
David Lawrence, 44, said his six-year-old son's first day at a match had been 'overshadowed' by claims surrounding the Pakistani players.
This is not the first time Pakistan have been dogged by controversy, and not the first time against England. In 2006, in a match between England and Pakistan, Australian umpire Darrell Hair accused Pakistan of cheating by tampering with the ball. In an extraordinary protest, the Pakistan team then refused to take to the field to continue the match, leaving Hair to claim that Pakistan had forfeited the match and awarded England victory.
Defeated Pakistan team booed by own supporters as they leave Lord's in wake of 'multi-million match-fixing scandal'
By Mailonline Reporter
29th August 2010
Daily Mail
- 'Fixer' held after claims players deliberately threw no balls
- Bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir accused
- Three players have their phones taken by police
- Play at Fourth test continued today despite police inquiry
- Pakistan went on to lose by an innings and 225 runs
- Mohammed Amir named Pakistan's man of the series
1st Innings
England: 446
Pakistan: 74
2nd Innings
Pakistan: 147
England win by an innings and 225 runs, Pakistan's heaviest ever Test defeat. England win the Series 3-1.
Pakistan's defeated cricket team were today booed by their own supporters as they left Lord's in the wake of explosive claims about match fixing.
The team's captain Salman Butt, bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif and wicket keeper Kamran Akmal have all been questioned by Scotland Yard.
Mazhar Majeed, a 35-year-old agent, has been arrested after being accused of taking cash to get players to deliberately bowl no balls in a test match against England.
Despite the allegations, play continued in the fourth Test today. But Pakistan quickly went on to lose by an innings and 225 runs.
Amir, one of the players accused of bowling no balls, was named Pakistan's man of the series.
Award: Pakistan's man of the series Mohammad Amir - one of the players accused of bowling no balls - receives a cheque for £4,000 from Giles Clarke, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board today
The allegations centre on the timing of no balls delivered during the Lord's Test match.
Undercover reporters from the News Of The World allegedly paid a middleman £150,000 and in return were told exact details relating to play during the following day.
Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal and Azhar Ali were greeted my muted applause as they walked to the crease for the start of play earlier today.
The pressure on the Pakistan team was obviously taking its toll as the team refused the opportunity to warm up before the resumption of play.
Return: Pakistani cricket players Mohammad Amir, left, and Mohammad Asif arrive at the team hotel tonight after their defeat against England
Probe: Pakistan's Mohammad Amir at Lord's today. He is one of the players named in the alleged scandal
Mohammad Asif (left) and captain Salman Butt arrive for the fourth day of the Fourth Test at Lord's today in the wake of match fixing allegations
Angry cricket fans threatened to demand their money back over the scandal.
David Lawrence, 44, said his six-year-old son's first day at a match had been 'overshadowed' by claims surrounding the Pakistani players.
Speaking outside the gates before play started, the operations manager, from Kingston, south London, said: 'It's pretty horrendous, the evidence is very convincing against the players.
'It undermines everything we are watching.
'My son, Matthew, has never been before. It's doesn't ruin it for us but does overshadow things. It leaves a bitter taste.'
Mark Stevens, 35, from Bath, added: 'It's just very disappointing - I'll be wanting my hard-earned cash back if the players turn out to be guilty.'
Pensive: Pakistan's Umar Gul, left, speaks to manager Yawar Saeed, right, at Lord's today
Story: Pakistan's manager Yawar Saeed, right, and assistant manager Shafqat Ranan read about the allegations today
Chris Bowley, a 30-year-old software engineer, from Reading, said today's action would be 'pretty pointless'.
'It makes you wonder what we are all doing here,' he said. 'It is still very early days but it's sad for the sport.'
Patrick Archibald, 42, an England fan who was born in Karachi, Pakistan, blamed the betting industry.
'If bookies were not allowed to take bets on bowls then we wouldn't have these ridiculous situations in the first place,' he said.
'It is the bookmakers' fault not the players who earn nowhere near the amounts seen in other sports, such as football.'
Over the line: Amir bowls a no-ball at the Lord's Test on Friday
In a joint statement, the International Cricket Council (ICC), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said last night: 'No players nor team officials have been arrested in relation to this incident and the fourth Npower Test match will continue as scheduled on Sunday.'
The statement added that all three bodies were assisting police with their inquiries and would make no further comment.
Former players joined together to express their anger at the allegations.
Intrigue: MCC members read about the match-fixing allegations today during the Fourth Test match at Lord's
Claims: Pakistan team members and management watch the match from the dressing room balcony today
Michael Vaughan, former England cricket captain, wrote on social networking site Twitter: 'Anger is my thoughts at the moment. ... it's just a great shame why this has to happen. Very sad.'
Former England fast bowler Angus Fraser told Sky News: 'Everyone with a deep love or interest for the game will be absolutely appalled by these allegations.'
He added: 'Cricket has got to get a grip, a sport cannot afford to be surrounded by such a controversy.'
Last night, the manager of Pakistan's cricket team confirmed that British police were questioning players over the allegations.
Yawar Saeed told The Associated Press: 'I can confirm that we are aware of the allegations and Scotland Yard police are with us now at the hotel and we are helping them with their inquiries.'
A source close to the team management last night appeared confident that there was no substance in the claims.
'I'm confident it is b*******t," the source said.
Proud: England captain Andrew Strauss holds the trophy after the win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the fourth Test match today
Scotland Yard said it arrested a man in relation to the newspaper's investigation.
A force spokesman said: 'Following information received from the News of the World we have today (Saturday August 28 ) arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers.'
The brother and business partner of the man arrested said today that the allegations were 'just rubbish'.
Past sporting scandals
The Pakistani side has been dogged by a number of controversies, including match fixing scandals, since the 1990s.
Four years ago, the team were accused of ball tampering during a tour to England.
Australian umpire Darrell Hair ruled that Pakistan had forfeited the Test at London's Oval by refusing to take the field in a protest over his ball-tampering ruling.
In May this year the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit looked at the team's poor performance after being heavily beaten by Australia during a tour of the country.
Following reports of infighting in the team, the Pakistani Cricket Board banned former captain Younus Khan and tour captain Mohammad Yousuf for an indefinite period.
Former captain Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan were banned for one year and fined heavily.
Last year a committee of Pakistan's parliament summoned senior figures from the team to discuss allegations that they deliberately lost a Champions Trophy match to prevent hated enemies India from reaching the semi-finals.
Azhar Majeed confirmed to the Associated Press that his brother Mazhar Majeed was the man arrested by police in relation to the News of the World's sting.
He said the claims were 'laughable', adding: 'I thought it was just rubbish.'
In video footage released by the News of the World, Mazhar Majeed is apparently seen with a pile of money in front of him.
Speaking about his brother's arrest, Azhar Majeed told the Associated Press: "I'm extremely worried. Nothing like this has ever happened to us. Ever.
'I have no idea as to what happened and what's led to him counting out that money.'
The News of the World reporting team claims it was told exactly when three no balls would be bowled during the current Test.
England look close to an innings victory as they return to the field today after taking 14 Pakistan wickets yesterday.
They are heading for a 3-1 victory in the four-match Test series which now looks set to be overshadowed by events off the field.
The Pakistani side has been dogged by match fixing scandals and allegations of cheating since the 1990s.
Four years ago, the team were accused of ball tampering during a tour to England.
Australian umpire Darrell Hair ruled that Pakistan had forfeited the Test at London's Oval by refusing to take the field in a protest over his ball-tampering ruling.
In May this year the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit looked at the team's poor performance after being heavily beaten by Australia during a tour of the country.
Umpire Darrell Hair, pictured here with England star Monty Panesar, ruled that Pakistan had forfeited the Test at London's Oval by refusing to take the field in a protest over his ball-tampering ruling
Following reports of infighting in the team, the Pakistani Cricket Board banned former captain Younus Khan and tour captain Mohammad Yousuf for an indefinite period.
Former captain Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan were banned for one year and fined heavily.
Last year a committee of Pakistan's parliament summoned senior figures from the team to discuss allegations that they deliberately lost a Champions Trophy match to prevent India from reaching the semi-finals.
In addition, security fears in the sub-continent saw international teams refuse to play in Pakistan.
Repeated incidents of terrorism including an attack on the visiting Sri Lankan team resulted in the Pakistan team playing all their games overseas.
dailymail.co.uk
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