Now Wahab Riaz is quizzed over fixing claims

A FOURTH Pakistani cricketer was interviewed by detectives under caution after claims of match-fixing, Scotland Yard revealed yesterday.

• Fast bowler Wahab Riaz was interviewed 'by appointment' Picture: Getty

Fast bowler Wahab Riaz was questioned by officers after fellow players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were grilled for nine hours over allegations published in the News of the World last month.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed last week that the bowler would be questioned today. A Scotland Yard statement read: "Can confirm that today, Tuesday 14 September, one further Pakistani cricketer was interviewed by appointment under caution."

A statement released last night by Addleshaw Goddard on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Riaz read: "Wahab Riaz of the Pakistan Cricket Team has today 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 Aamer, 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 cooperate in full with the ICC. No further comment will be made at this time."

The corruption contro-versy has engulfed the Pakistan cricket team during its tour of England.

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

Butt, Asif and Aamer have been suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC). All three deny any wrongdoing.

Majeed has also been arrested and released on bail without charge.

Butt, Asif and Aamer flew back to Pakistan on Friday. They are expected to return to the UK for further questioning, having agreed to 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 that Asif would seek asylum in the UK.