Salman Butt appeals suspension from playing

Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt has appealed against his suspension from the game for alleged fixing, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said on Wednesday.

Lorgat told Sky Sports News Butt's appeal had been received on Tuesday but Pakistan team-mates Muhammad Amir and Mohammad Asif had yet to follow suit.

The three have been suspended while an investigation takes place into newspaper allegations they had deliberately arranged for no-balls to be delivered at last month's fourth test against England at Lord's.

"It was late yesterday that we got a formal appeal from Salman Butt, not from the other two yet and we will move into convening a hearing to consider the appeal," Lorgat told Sky.

All three players have denied wrongdoing and have been supported by Pakistan cricket chiefs.

The ICC also launched an investigation into suspicious scoring patterns by Pakistan in the third one dayer against England, which the visitors won.

Lorgat added the investigation into the scandal was complex explaining: "It is even more so when it is alongside a criminal investigation and I am sure none of us wants to prejudice that investigation, but it is complicated."

Asked if he thought corruption was rife in cricket, Lorgat replied: "I don't believe so. On the contrary I think there are many, many players who are well and truly educated on what they need to be cautious and watchful for.

"There are many players who have reported suspicious approaches to us. These few instances, where we have breaches we follow through thoroughly.

"I still believe that people trust the game. We have demonstrated and we will certainly ensure that the integrity of the sport is upheld.

"I have no doubt that at the end of the day we will do everything possible to prove the sport is clean," he added.