Fourth Pakistan player being investigated: newspaper

A fourth Pakistan cricketer is being investigated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over match-rigging claims, The News of the World newspaper said on Saturday.

In a statement the British tabloid said it would print a second series of revelations on Sunday including news of an investigation into a player who it did not identify.

"The News of the World is not naming this player for legal reasons," the statement said.

The ICC suspended Test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif last Thursday under its anti-corruption code.

British metropolitan police have questioned the trio after The News of the World reported last Sunday that they had fixed incidents in the fourth test against England at Lord's.

Saturday's statement also said Test opening batsman Yasir Hameed has claimed some of his team mates were fixing "almost every match".

"They were doing it (fixing) in almost every match. God knows what they were up to," he is quoted as saying.

"Scotland Yard was after them for ages. It makes me angry because I'm playing my best and they are trying to lose."

An ICC spokesman said the world governing body would not comment on the allegation that another player was being investigated.

"We don't comment on ongoing investigations," he said.

Pakistan tour manager Yawar Saeed was not immediately available for comment. A police spokesman said there were no new developments in their case.

Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan one-day captain, apologised on behalf of the team before Sunday's Twenty20 international against England in Cardiff.

"I think it is very bad news," Afridi told reporters.

"On behalf of these players, I know they are not in this series, but on behalf of these boys I want to say sorry to all cricket lovers and all the cricketing nations."