The England pakistan one-day match continued as per schedule despite the match fixing scandal. But the England players made clear their anger at the comments, with captain Andrew Strauss releasing a strongly-worded statement expressing their “outrage” and threatening legal action.

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ijaz Butt, this morning denied telling an Indian-based television station that he had evidence to support his claims, saying he was merely quoting “bookies”.

Pakistan stars have been released without charge it was revealed. British police released without charge three Pakistani cricket players embroiled in fixing claims after questioning them under caution today, their lawyer said.

“Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt of the Pakistan cricket team have today been questioned under caution by the Metropolitan Police,” Elizabeth Robertson told reporters outside Kilburn police station in north London.