Hero-to-Zero

In early 2010, the News of the World's investigations editor Mazher Mahmood is contacted by a source within the responsible authority of the Pakistan team alerting him to Mazhar Majeed’s role in fixing. Then in 1st quarter of  2010 there was no sign of any meeting, perhaps they (all) were planning to make a special meeting.

In mid august 2010, the first meeting between Mahmood and Majeed at Hilton Hotel in London. Mahmood poses as Mohsin Khan, the chairman of a fictional company called Tata Equity, looking to set up a T20 tournament in Dubai.On 18 august 2010 the Oval Test start against England. Majeed and Mahmood meet at the Bombay Brasserie restaurant in London. Next day Mahmood hands over £10,000 to Majeed to arrange bowling of two no balls during Oval Test. Majeed hands jacket containing money to Wahab Riaz. But next day (19 Aug) and also Oval test finished with calm.

Then one eve of Lord’s Test. Mahmood secretly films handover of £140,000 to Majeed at Tara Copthorne Hotel for bowling of no balls. Straight after meeting Majeed calls Asif and Butt. On next day 26 august, Amir and Asif bowl no balls at agreed points in play. Majeed arranges third no ball for following day (27 Aug) and Amir bowls a massive no ball at agreed time/over.

News of the World run story all over the world and ICC suspends Butt, Amir and Asif on 2nd Sep 2010. After this in Jan 2011, ICC disciplinary hearing begins in Doha and is adjourned until February for judgement.  In Feb 2011, Butt banned for 10 years (five suspended), Asif seven years (two suspended) and Amir for five years. After this in late Feb Amir and Butt announce they will appeal bans to Court of Arbitration for Sport. Asif follows on March 1. Hearings on hold until end of criminal proceedings in England.

Then in mid of September 2011, Amir pleads guilty at a pre-trial hearing of accepting corrupt payments and conspiracy to cheat. Reporting restrictions put in place. Then early this October,  Asif and Butt trial begins at Southwark Crown Court .

On 1st Nov, Butt and Asif found guilty of conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments. Following the four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court, Butt and Asif were each found guilty of conspiracy to accept corrupt payments and conspiracy to cheat, offences that carry a maximum jail term of seven years.

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