Match-fixing row: Tainted trio dropped

The PCB will send replacement players to England. The decision was taken after England and Wells Cricket Board (ECB) informed the PCB that English players were not willing to play with tainted players.

English players had informed ECB in written that they did not want to play with tainted players.

After rising pressure from ECB and ICC anti-corruption unit, PCB dropped three tainted players, including skipper Salman Butt, Md Asif and Md Aamer.

ECB asked PCB to drop tainted players for smooth sailing of ODI and T20 series.

Pakistan Team Manager Yawar Saeed has confirmed the news. However, Pakistan Sports Minister Aijaz Jakhrani has said that he is unaware of dropping news of tainted players. However, trio has not been suspended yet. Saeed said , "We decided to leave them out, not suspended, Trio will return Pakistan and their replacement will be named soon."

Salman Butt, Asif and Aamer were already dropped from the warm-up match in Taunton.

Earlier, PCB had rejected the demand of dropping tainted players on the basis of allegations.

A English tabloid had exposed the match-fixing racket through a sting operation during last Test at Lord's.

ICC's anti-corruption unit also met Asif’s ex-girlfriend actress and model Veena Malik in this regard. Malik reportedly submitted clinching evidence of match-fixing to ICC officials during the interrogation.