Pakistan cricket 'spot fixing' trio appeal date set

Pakistan's Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif, who were suspended after being caught up in allegations of corruption, will have their appeals heard in Doha on October 30 and 31.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said Wednesday that Michael Beloff, the head of the governing body's code of conduct commission, will hear the appeal by the three players against their provisional suspensions.
Test skipper Butt and fast bowlers Asif and Aamer were banned from all forms of cricket after they were charged with various offences under the anti-corruption code of conduct on September 2.
The charges followed revelations by The News of the World and subsequent investigations by the ICC?s Anti Corruption and Security Unit into 'spot-fixing' allegations during Pakistan's tour of England.
"After receiving three separate appeals from the respective players, the ICC moved as quickly as possible to convene an independent hearing in accordance with the ICC?s Anti-Corruption Code," said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.
"After consulting with all parties involved we decided to conduct the hearing in Doha, Qatar.
"It is important to understand that the appeals are against the provisional suspension only and will not consider the substantive charges that were laid against the players on September 2.
"In the meantime, the players remain provisionally suspended from all cricket and related activities. We want to ensure a fair and just process in terms of our code, but we are also determined to maintain the integrity of our great sport."

COURTESY AFP