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Betting claims: Pakistan cricketers leave UK

By Channel 4 News

Updated on 10 September 2010

Three Pakistani cricketers, questioned by the Metropolitan Police following allegations of match-fixing, will fly home today without charge, officers say.

Pakistan cricketers leave UK (Getty)

Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir have agreed to return to the UK to assist the inquiry in "due course", Scotland Yard said.

The men were questioned following claims of match-fixing published in the News of the World.

The trio, who deny the claims, have reportedly left their London hotel for the airport where they will fly home to Pakistan.

Solicitors acting for the cricketers released a statement on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the players.

The statement read: "The players are looking forward to being reunited with their families. They remain available to co-operate fully with the police investigation and have each given undertakings to return to the UK if required to do so."

The statement also denied reports that Mr Asif would seek asylum in the UK.

A fourth player Wahab Riaz will be questioned by police on Tuesday in relation to allegations of corruption.

The claims engulfed the Pakistan cricket team during its tour of England.

Businessman Mazhar Majeed is accused of accepting £150,000 to arrange for Butt, Asif and Aamer to deliberately bowl no-balls during the fourth Test at Lord's. Butt, Asif and Aamer have been suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

All three deny any wrongdoing. Majeed has also been arrested and released on bail without charge.

The Pakistan team is set to continue their tour of England with the first NatWest Series match against their hosts in Chester-le-Street today.

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