Spot-fixing scandal: News of World likely to make fresh revelations

Pakistan cricket could find itself in a deeper crisis in the coming days as the spot-fixing scandal involving suspended players Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif is expected to grow bigger with fresh revelations. Sources said that British tabloid The News of the World, which broke the story about the alleged nexus between the Pakistani trio and a bookie Mazhar Majeed, is likely to release more details which will bring more embarrassment for the players and PCB. On the other hand, three Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by detectives over text messages, phone calls and secret bank accounts linked to alleged match-fixing. Mohammad Amir, the teenage bowler seen as one of the games most exciting talents, spent almost five hours on Friday being interviewed under caution. He was asked about a message he allegedly sent to Mazhar Majeed the agent arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers last Friday, saying Shall I do it or not? Hours later, it is claimed, he deliberately bowled a no-ball in the Fourth Test at Lords. Captain Salman Butt and bowler Mohammad Asif were also questioned. They were asked about secret accounts in Swiss and British banks, which, according to the News of the World investigation, Mr Majeed said he had set up in their names. Sources said that the role of Butt, interviewed last by the Scotland Yard detectives, was under closest scrutiny.