Butt, Amir, Asif dropped from Pakistan side

The three Pakistan cricketers at the centre of a betting scandal have been dropped from the squad for the remainder of the tour of England, team manager Yawar Saeed said Thursday.

The three, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and test captain Salman Butt, will be meeting Pakistan Cricket Board and government officials today. But while these players have been dropped from the side, Yawar Saeed has clarified that not all might be suspended.

“Great players come and go but cricket must move on. We have asked the board to provide alternate players,” Yawar said.

Pakistan would also seek replacements for the five one-day limited overs games againstEngland, Saeed added, denying the trio had been suspended.

“The T20 squad will remain what it is here this morning, ie 13 people,” Saeed said. “When we play the one-day internationals we will be asking for replacements to make the squad up to 16.

Saeed added he could not comment about the trio's state of mind, saying: “They are still here. I cannot answer anything on their behalf because investigations are being made by Scotland Yard and the ICC (International Cricket Council) and others.

“The game must go on, cricket will be played at its best.”