Pak cricket fix probe may cover 82 games

The ICC’s Dubai-based anti-corruption and security unit, which is investigating the spot-fixing allegations revealed on Sunday, could extend the scope to include more than 80 international Tests and one-day matches involving Pakistan.

The anti-corruption cell will study all 82 Tests and one-day matches played by Pakistan in the period Mazhar Majeed reportedly told the News of the World that he had rigged matches.

It has also been claimed that the first Test match between England and Pakistan at Trent Bridge in Nottingham in July was subject to largescale spot-fixing by Pakistani cricketers.

The Sun said Monday that Scotland Yard had been tipped off a month ago that a middle-man had corrupted at least one key Pakistani player for a largescale betting sting involving Asian syndicates.

The International Cricket Council and Pakistan Cricket Board officials met at Lord’s on Monday morning, but no details about their discussions were released.

Pakistan is due to play a one-day warm-up match against Somerset on Thursday. The team will play two Twenty20 matches against England and a five-match ODI series.

Majeed was released on police bail. Majeed, 35, will have to appear before the police later.

Police and tax officials also searched Majeed’s house in Croydon and will investigate accounts of his now-defunct firm Bluesky and Croydon Athletic football club to check his claims that he laundered money.