Pakistan players questioned after fixing arrest

KARACHI, (Reuters) – Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed has confirmed that Scotland Yard police officials had  questioned him and several players in connection with match  fixing allegations during the Lord’s test.

Yawar told Geo Super channel from London yesterday that police officials were in the team hotel and recording statements from captain Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif, Mohammad Aamir and Kamran Akmal.

“They have also spoken to me and I have tried to answer  their queries. We will cooperate all the way with them in these  investigations,” Yawar said.

Earlier yesterday, Police said they had arrested a  35-year- old man for offering bribes to some Pakistani players  for spot fixing during the test match after allegations arose  in the Sunday tabloid, The News of the World.

On the pitch, England was closing in on a big victory in  the fourth test at the close of the third day after Pakistan  were bowled out for 74, made to follow-on and reached 41-4 in  their second innings. The hosts lead by 331.

Yawar said police had told him they had arrested one man in  connection with the allegations but he denied reports that  officers had confiscated mobile phones and laptops or that they  had found money stashed in players’ rooms.

“That is not correct, but we are also in touch with our  high commission in London and cooperating with the police.”

Geo News channel also reported that Pakistan’s high  commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan had spoken to Scotland Yard  detectives.