Updated on
Summary
Essex pair Danish Kaneria and Mervyn Westfield face the prospect of being suspended from playing county cricket while police investigate allegations that they were involved in spot-fixing during a one-day match last season. Pakistans leg-spinner Kaneria and paceman Westfield have both received letters from the England and Wales Cricket Board informing them that their registrations will be suspended while the investigation by Essex Police continues. The letters were issued by the ECB's registration rather than disciplinary department. Both players have denied the allegations and are taking legal advice and it is understood that Kaneria is due to meet ECB officials on Tuesday. Kaneria will also seek clarification from the ECB whether there will be any objection to him touring England with Pakistan this summer. The ECB have kept the Pakistan Cricket Board fully briefed and a spokesman for the PCB said his selection would be subject to receiving clearance from the English cricket authorities. Kaneria and Westfield were arrested last month and interviewed at Brentwood police station about alleged irregularities during a Pro-40 League game against Durham last September. Neither was charged and both were released on bail until Sept 15. Neither the ECB nor Essex has taken disciplinary action against the players, but the decision to suspend their registrations would effectively prevent them from playing any meaningful cricket.
