Police clear Pakistani cricketer over betting allegations

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has been cleared by Essex police of betting during an English county match last season, his lawyer said.

"The police have cleared Danish as they didn't find any concrete evidence to support the allegations," Furqan Anwar said today (NZ time).

Kaneria, who has played 61 tests and taken 261 wickets, was questioned by police investigating allegations two Essex players placed bets on their Pro-40 match against Durham last September.

The police did not name the players but media reported they were 29-year-old Kaneria and former England Under-19 pace bowler Mervyn Westfield, 22, who was released by Essex last month.

Both players denied the allegations.

Pakistan cricket was hit by a spot-fixing and betting scandal this month when three players -- test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif -- were provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their alleged involvement in the scam.

Scotland Yard and the ICC anti-corruption unit are investigating the case and all three have been questioned at Kilburn police station in London.

Kaneria had been allowed by police to play for Essex this season until September 15 while they conducted their investigations into the betting allegations.

Kaneria said he would not make any comments on the case and was just relieved to be cleared of any charges.

The leg spinner was released by the Pakistan team management after the first test against England last month, which the hosts won by 354 runs, leading to criticism of the tour selectors.

- Reuters