Pakistan suspends scandal-linked players' contracts

Pakistan has suspended the contracts of three cricketers under investigation for spot-fixing during a recent tour of England in a scandal that has rocked the world game, officials said yesterday.

Former captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer face charges of alleged spot-fixing during the tour and have been excluded from Pakistan's current fixtures against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates.

"The central contracts of Salman, Asif and Aamer have been suspended because the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) only gives contracts to players who can play for Pakistan," PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said. "Until their cases are decided, they can't get any benefits from the Board," Rizvi added.