The Test match between England and Pakistan has resumed under a cloud of controversy following allegations that some of the tourists were involved in match-fixing.
Mazhar Majeed, a 35-year-old agent, was arrested on Saturday night and four Pakistani players gave statements to the police over claims about the Lord’s Test.
Pakistan’s captain Salman Butt, bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif and wicket keeper Kamran Akmal were all questioned by officers from Scotland Yard, team manager Yawar Saeed confirmed.
The allegations centre on the timing of no balls delivered during the 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.
The paper said it was able to buy its way into a match-fixing ring by posing as Far Eastern businessmen.
Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal and Azhar Ali were greeted my muted applause as they walked to the crease for the start of play this morning.
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.
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.”
