ICC delays decision on tainted Pakistan trio

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday postponed its decision on ‘tainted’ Pakistan players until a separate hearing on Feb 5.

The ICC’s anti-corruption panel asked for some more time to consider the verdicts on former skipper Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.

”The hearing itself has lasted more than 45 hours spread over six days during which the tribunal has heard oral and written testimonies and tapes, watched video recordings and listened to forensic submissions,” a statement issued by chairman of the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal Michael Beloff, QC, at the end of a six-day hearing of three Pakistan players on Tuesday read.

The tribunal has decided to continue its deliberations and will hold a further hearing in Doha on Feb 5, 2011 at which its decisions will be handed down to the parties, and any consequential matters will be dealt with.

?Until that date, all the three players will remain suspended from all cricketing activities. Counsel for all parties have acknowledged that they have had a fair opportunity to present their respective cases,” the statement added.

On Sep 2, 2010, the ICC charged the players in question with various offences under Article 2 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for Players and Player Support Personnel relating to alleged irregular behaviour during, and in relation to, the fourth Test between England and Pakistan at Lord?s.

The three players were officially notified of the alleged offences and were provisionally suspended pending a decision on those charges. In accordance with the provisions of the code, this meant they were immediately barred from participating in all cricket and related activities until the case had been concluded.

The trio are suspended on alleged spot-fixing charges August’s Test against England which are being investigated.