Corruption probe starts in Doha

Suspended Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt arrived in Doha with bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif to face charges of spot-fixing during a Test match against England at Lord’s last year.

In this video, Al Jazeera’s Andy Richardson explains the implications of the allegations, and how much is at stake for their playing careers and the sport of cricket.

As the trio plead their cases in Qatar, the team that they may or may not be able to rejoin are getting on with business on the other side of the world.

Newly installed Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said his team were focused on the upcoming Test series against New Zealand and would not be distracted by the anti-corruption hearing that could mete out life bans to Butt, Asif and Amir.

A two-Test series begins at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Friday.

“We are just focused on cricket. We have nothing to do with what’s happening (in Doha),” Misbah told reporters on Thursday.

“Everyone who is here is focused on what’s happening here and to do well here.”

Pakistan have been dogged by other controversies over the past 12 months.

There have been reports of divisions within the squad, several players have been suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board, while one player left the team fearing for his safety after refusing to co-operate with match-fixers.

Pakistan’s captain said the team could not afford to focus on the proceedings in Doha or dwell on the past 12 months, ahead of the World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh next month.

“We are not thinking about what has happened in the last 12 months, we are just looking at what is going to come today and tomorrow,” he said.

“What’s coming next, we are ready for that.”