THE INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council have suspended Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir – pending charges on “various offences” under the anti-corruption code.

The three players have been at the centre of their sport’s ‘spot-fixing’ crisis since being named in a News of the World expose, alleging attempts to defraud illegal bookmakers.

It was announced yesterday morning they would play no part in the forthcoming limited-overs matches between Pakistan and England, although they have also professed their innocence in the alleged plot.

Pakistan Test captain Butt, Asif and Amir have been officially notified of the offences they are alleged to have committed.

In accordance with the provisions of the code, they are immediately barred from participating in all cricket and related activities until the case has been concluded.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat last night took the opportunity to reiterate the world governing body’s firm stance on any ‘match-fixing’ transgressions.

“We will not tolerate corruption in cricket – simple as that,” he said. “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. 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 players have the right to contest the suspension and defend the charges at a tribunal hearing, whose date and location will be announced if necessary – should the players choose to do so in the next 14 days.

The ‘spot-fixing’ controversy had already taken a new twist yesterday when the Pakistan High Commissioner cast doubt on the authenticity of evidence presented by the News of the World.

Wajid Shamsul Hasan was speaking after he and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt interviewed Butt, Asif and Amir over claims they bowled no-balls to order in the Lord’s Test.

It was also confirmed yesterday morning that the three would take no part, in any case, in two Twenty20 matches and five one-day international against England – set to start in Cardiff on Sunday.

Butt and seamers Asif and Amir had their rooms searched by police and their mobile phones confiscated following Scotland Yard interviews at the team hotel in London last weekend.

It is understood the England and Wales Cricket Board lobbied hard for an agreement to leave the three players out of the rest of the tour — on behalf of a home squad reluctant to take the field against them.

The High Commissioner confirmed the three men’s passports are being held by team manager Yawar Saeed.