Scotland Yard may end spot-fixing probe next week

The Scotland Yard is expected to complete its investigations into the spot-fixing allegations against three Pakistani players by next week.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board is expecting Scotland Yard to submit its initial findings by next week that is why the three players under suspension, Salman Butt, Muhammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were advised by the board's legal team to seek more time from the ICC to respond to charges against them," a source disclosed.

"So far the correct position is that the Scotland Yard has not shared information of their investigations and findings with the PCB but indications are they will wrap up things and give a report by next week."

The Match-Fixing Episode II

The source said Butt, Amir and Asif -- in their replies to the notice of charges sent to them individually by the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit -- had asked for an extension of time from the ACSU to submit detailed answers to the charges against them.

"They have pointed out in their replies that since the Scotland Yard is also investigating the spot-fixing issue, they should be given an extension on the deadline for them to submit detailed replies to the notice of charge against them," the source added.

Normally, players have to respond properly and in detail to a notice of charge sent to them by the ACSU in 14 days time but the ACSU general manager has the authority to give an extension on the deadline.

"The ACSU GM has allowed the players an extension but the period of this extension is not known," the insider stated.

He said the decision to ask for extension was taken when the players met Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt and discussed the ongoing investigations and the allegations against them.

"Apparently, Butt has assured them that the Scotland Yard or ICC so far have unearthed no hard evidence and if the Scotland Yard presses no charges against them it would also deflate the investigations by the ACSU into the spot-fixing allegations."

But the insider confirmed that the ICC inquiry net was wider with not only Pakistani players under scrutiny but some from other countries as well.