Cricket: ICC grant Pakistan trio extra time

The three Pakistan cricketers charged by the International Cricket Council in connection with 'spot-fixing' are to get more time to respond to the allegations.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir have announced through their solicitors they would defend themselves against the charges.

A fourth player, fast bowler Wahab Riaz, was yesterday interviewed by detectives under caution after Butt, Asif and Amir were quizzed for nine hours over allegations published in the News of the World last month.

A statement released by Addleshaw Goddard on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Riaz read: "Wahab Riaz voluntarily attended Kilburn Police Station to provide assistance in the ongoing investigation concerning allegations published by the News of the World.

"He has been unconditionally released.

"We can also confirm that Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt have written to the ICC indicating their intention to defend themselves in respect of the disciplinary action brought against them.

"The players have expressed concern that the ICC's investigation could prejudice the police investigation, and have requested additional time to respond fully to the charges.

"The ICC has granted additional time. The players remain willing to co-operate in full with the ICC."

Businessman Mazhar Majeed is accused of accepting 150,000 to arrange for Test captain Butt, Asif and Amir to deliberately bowl no-balls during the fourth Test at Lord's.

Butt, Asif and Amir flew back to Pakistan on Friday. They are accused of spot-fixing and expected to have a preliminary hearing with the ICC next month.

They are expected to return to the UK for further questioning, having agreed to assist the inquiry, in "due course".

Addleshaw Goddard, the solicitors acting for the three men, released a statement on their behalf which denied reports Asif would seek asylum in the UK.