ICC probes Pakistan's victory over England at the Oval

The International Cricket Council has launched an investigation into Friday's third one-day international between England and Pakistan at the Oval.

ICC governing body says the probe is based on information passed on by The Sun newspaper.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat says the match, won by Pakistan by 23 runs, featured "a certain scoring pattern" that warranted further investigation.

"We feel it is incumbent upon us to launch a full enquiry," Lorgat added.

The investigation is the latest blight on this summer's series between the two sides, with four members of the Pakistan team - none of whom were involved in Friday's match - being investigated amid allegations of "spot-fixing".

In a statement, Lorgat added: "A source informed The Sun newspaper that a certain scoring pattern would emerge during certain stages of the match and, broadly speaking, that information appeared to be correct.
"It is worth pointing out at this stage that we are not stating as fact that anything untoward has occurred. Only in the fullness of the investigation can that be established.

"We thank The Sun newspaper for its information and co-operation in this regard and we will work with its staff and sources to ensure the full truth surrounding this match is ascertained.

"The ICC maintains a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in cricket and, as a matter of course, follows up on all credible information that is received, whatever the source.

"Any player or official found guilty of an offence will face the full rigour of our robust Anti-Corruption Code so that we can ensure the integrity of the sport is maintained."

Butt, Amir and Asif, who have been suspended from playing and charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC), have indicated they will contest the allegations made against them.

Riaz has not been suspended by the ICC.

In response to the latest investigation, Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Nadeem Sarwar said: "The ICC has already issued its statement and we don't think it is appropriate for us to comment at this stage."