Former ICC CEO Speed suggests ban on Pakistan

Allegations of spot-fixing is "endemic" to Pakistan cricket and suspending the entire team is an option, feels former ICC CEO Malcolm Speed.

"I think that's (suspension) an option. It's serious," said Speed, who was ICC chief executive officer from 2001 until 2008.

"It looks as though it is endemic that several of the team members are involved and have been for some time," Speed told ABC radio.

"So perhaps they need a rest. It looks a fairly compelling case," added the Australian.

World cricket was rocked by a scandal on Sunday when a sting operation on a bookie by British tabloid The News of the World claimed that deliberate no-balls were bowled by Pakistan bowlers -- Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir – during the fourth Test against England at Lord's, which the hosts won by an innings and 225 runs.

Scotland Yard investigators then grilled some Pakistan players, inclduing its captain Salman Butt and confiscated mobile phones and recovered cash exceeding their daily allowance.

A prominent figure of world cricket, Speed said there were still many such corrupt bookies, who are involving in scrupulous activities.

"Corrupt bookmakers and gamblers are still out there," he said.

"(It's) great that they've been caught in England where there is a very sophisticated legal system that deals with conspiracy and specifically with cheating in sport.

"So I see that as a major positive. I would have liked it to have happened when I was involved with ICC but it didn't happen at that time."