Pakistan cricketers suspended in storm over fixing allegations

The announcement by the International Cricket Council (ICC) came as Pakistan test captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir prepared to be questioned today over the allegations by detectives from Scotland Yard.

The three men have insisted they are innocent but have been charged with "various offences" under Article Two of the ICC's Anti-Corruption Code relating to alleged irregular behaviour during, and in relation to, the fourth Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's last month.

The three have been "provisionally suspended pending a decision on those charges", the ICC said.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "We will not tolerate corruption in cricket – simple as that.

"We must be decisive with such matters and if proven, these offences carry serious penalties up to a life ban.

"The ICC will do everything possible to keep such conduct out of the game and we will stop at nothing to protect the sport's integrity. While we believe the problem is not widespread, we must always be vigilant."

The charges mean the sportsmen are "immediately barred from participating in all cricket and related activities until the case has been concluded".

They have a right to contest the provisional suspension and have 14 days from receipt of the charge to indicate whether they want to defend themselves before an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal.

The ICC said: "Any player ultimately found to be guilty of committing an offence under the code would be subject to the sanctions described in Article 6 of the code.

"In this case, the alleged offences, if proved, would involve the imposition of a ban."

Mr Lorgat added: "It is important, however, that we do not pre-judge the guilt of these three players. That is for the independent tribunal alone to decide."

The charges came as Pakistan's top diplomat in Britain claimed that the men were "set up".

Wajid Hasan, the Pakistani High Commissioner in London, said he believed the trio played no part in an alleged plot to bowl no-balls to order during Pakistan's defeat at Lord's.

He went on to cast doubt on video evidence about the allegations released by the News of the World.

In an interview on BBC News, he said: "We are not seeing on the video what the date or what the time is. Do you have answers to these questions?

"The video wasn't timed or dated. It could have been dated before the match or after the match, or at a different time."

Asked if he thought the three players had been "set up", Mr Hasan said: "Yes, I would say that."

The News of the World dismissed the High Commissioner's claims as "ludicrous", adding in a statement: "Watch this space."

It is understood that the paper is planning to publish further revelations this weekend.

Legend Warne calls for life bans

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has called for life bans for anyone found guilty of match-fixing.

Doubt has now been cast on the validity of his country's stunning victory over Pakistan at Sydney in January, widely seen as one of the greatest Test cricket comebacks of recent times.

The News of the World's weekend sting against members of the Pakistan cricket team carried quotes from alleged middleman Mazhar Majeed suggesting the Sydney Test was fixed, and Australia's miraculous win netted one betting syndicate 830,000.

Warne, who took 708 test wickets for Australia, said the International Cricket Council must take a zero-tolerance stance against anyone found to be involved in fixing games.

"They should be thrown out, simple as that," Warne said.