The ICC’s anti-corruption unit is set to launch an investigation into Pakistan’s 2010 Test matches against Australia in England.
The investigation has been prompted by the emergence of incriminating text messages between player agent Mazhar Majeed and suspected illegal bookmakers.
The texts appear to suggest Majeed attempted to use his connections with members of the Pakistan team to influence the result of the matches against Australia, played at Lord’s and Headingley in July 2010.
The messages have come to light following the conviction of Pakistan players Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, who were found guilty of conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments at London’s Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday.
A third player, Mohammad Amir, together with agent Majeed, had already pleaded guilty to both charges at a pre-trial hearing.
The text messages between Majeed and the suspected illegal bookmaker were not allowed as evidence during the trial.
One message was received by Majeed’s phone from an unknown British-based number, the day before the start of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at Lord’s.
The message allegedly dictates that Asif and Amir should open the bowling, and deliberately attempt to concede runs.
”Bro, just spoke to Sanjay,” the message read.
”Bowling first, they should bowl in tandem first for at least first eight overs. Give away a minimum of 47 runs, in first 10 overs please.”
A further message offers congratulations to Majeed following Butt’s appointment as captain ahead of the second Test in Leeds.
The four convicted men are due to be sentenced on Thursday, and could face up to nine years in prison.
Majeed has been recorded on undercover footage boasting about fixing the Sydney Test between Australia and Pakistan in January 2010.
In addition to investigating the Tests between Pakistan and Australia in England, the ICC anti-corruption unit will also probe other matches between Pakistan and England in last year’s now-infamous series.