Sports betting and corruption

Pakistan spot-fixing trial likely to conclude in Doha today
• Amir, Asif and Butt facing bans of differing length
• Butt claimed money was for sister's wedding


The three Pakistan players who face life bans over last summer's spot‑fixing scandal are liable to discover their fates today, when an independent tribunal delivers a verdict with far‑reaching implications for the sport and the reputation of the International Cricket Council.

Amid domestic euphoria over England's Ashes victory and increased focus on the 50-over World Cup, the ongoing tribunal in the unlikely surroundings of Doha's financial district has served as a jarring reminder of the impact of the allegations uncovered by the News of the World last August.

The outcome will have obvious ramifications for the three, but the decision will also have an impact on the battered reputation of the Pakistan Cricket Board, the ICC's standing as the game's global regulator and the public perception of a sport that has been forced to face up to the scale of the problems caused by the huge illegal betting markets in Asia.

The ICC has called it the biggest corruption crisis faced in decades, certainly since South Africa's late captain Hansie Cronje admitted match-fixing over a decade ago.