The International Cricket Council said that it has charged Pakistan's Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif with various offenses under its anti-corruption code.

The players have been officially notified of the offenses they are alleged to have committed and have been provisionally suspended pending a decision on those charges by ICC. Test captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Aamer and Asif were all named in News of the World report which alleged they were involved in a "spot-fixing" scam by bowling deliberate no-balls in last week's Test match with England in exchange for cash.

The trio has protested their innocence and the ICC said they have the right to contest their suspension, and have two weeks to request a hearing before anti-corruption tribunal where they can defend themselves. ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said, "We will not tolerate corruption in cricket in any form - simple as that".

ICC must be decisive with such matters and if proven, these offenses carry serious penalties up to a life ban. The ICC will do everything possible to keep such conduct out of the game and will stop at nothing to protect the sport's integrity. The problem is not widespread but ICC should always be vigilant.