ICC charges, suspends Pakistan trio

The International Cricket Council has suspended the three Pakistan players accused of involvement in a spot-fixing betting scam.

The ICC announced the move on its website, saying it had charged Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif with various offences under its anti-corruption code.

"We will not tolerate corruption in cricket – simple as that. We must be decisive with such matters and if proven, these offences carry serious penalties up to a life ban," ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said.

"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."