The International Cricket Council has suspended Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, the three Pakistani players implicated in the “spot fixing “scandal for various offences under their anti-corruption code.

Charges have been brought under Article 2 of the ICCs anti-corruption code relating to irregularities in the fourth test between England and Pakistan. It means they are immediately banned from participating in any cricket until the case is concluded.

The players have the right to contest the suspension and further defend the charges at a full hearing before an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal. They have 14 days in which to request this.

Earlier in the day, it was announced that the three would not take part in the forthcoming matches against England, although they were still protesting their innocence. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Wajid Shamsui Hasan defended the trio claiming that they were suffering mental torture and that they have been part of a set up.

However, ICC's chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, said: "We will not tolerate corruption in cricket - simple as that. We must be decisive with such matters and if proven, these offences carry serious penalties up to a life ban. The ICC will do everything possible to keep such conduct out of the game and we will stop at nothing to protect