Bail for four charged with match-fixing

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir and a sports agent at the centre of match-fixing allegations were bailed yesterday.

Butt, 26, Asif, 28 and Amir, 18, attended City of Westminster Magistrates' Court accused of cheating and conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments. The cricketers were given unconditional bail and agent Mazhar Majeed, 35, of Oaks Road, Croydon, south London, was told to surrender his passport and not apply for international travel documents. Britain has no extradition treaty with Pakistan.

All four will appear at Southwark Crown Court on 20 May.

Majeed is accused of accepting 150,000 to arrange for the players to bowl no-balls during the fourth Test at Lord's last August.

District Judge Howard Riddle heard the evidence came from an investigation by the News of the World's undercover reporter Mazher Mahmood. Mr Riddle warned all four to ensure they attend Southwark Crown Court saying: "There is no doubt the allegations are very serious."

Legal aid was not applied for.The cricketers were previously funded by the Pakistan Cricket Board but their lawyer confirmed outside court that has ended.