'Why should Pakistan cricket be banned?'

Pakistan cricket has come under the spotlight after a newspaper report alleging players had been bribed to bowl pre-determined no-balls in the fourth Test against England.

British police have confiscated the mobile phones of Test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif as part of the investigation.

Following are some reactions:

Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani: "It has caused us to bow our heads in shame."

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat: "Make no mistake, once the process is complete, if any players are found to be guilty, the ICC will ensure that the appropriate punishment is handed out. We will not tolerate corruption in this great game," Lorgat said.

Pakistan federal interior minister Rehman Malik: "These are serious allegations and if we find any player guilty of the charges against him we will take severe action the player(s)," he said.

Photographs: Reuters

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan: "Why should Pakistan cricket be banned? What Pakistan cricket has to do with this?" the former Pakistan skipper questioned.

"If a cricketer indulges in crime... for instance, if an Indian cricketer indulges in shop-lifting, would you ban the whole team?" Imran asked.

"It's a crime and the criminal should be punished, but the game of cricket must go on. You can't allow Pakistan cricket to suffer for these guys. The anger and demoralisation in Pakistan is far more than in any other country," he said.

Former Pakistan captain and coach Javed Miandad: "Regardless of whether the allegations against the players are proven or not, the truth is Pakistan cricket has been badly hurt by this scandal."

England captain Andrew Strauss: "If someone is found categorically guilty, then the only way for me is for that person not to be able to play international cricket again. Cricket is in the headlines not just for the wrong reasons but for the worst of reasons.

"There have been many rumours in the past and, hopefully, this time we are in a situation where things can be proved one way or another. If that leads to a cleaner sport, it can only be a good thing."

Australia captain Ricky Ponting: "As a cricketer everything I have seen so far has been quite shocking to tell the truth."

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland: "The reports from the UK are most disturbing and we look forward to the outcome of rigorous investigation by the UK authorities as well as by the ICC. We have no knowledge of the current allegations but by their very nature, they demonstrate the absolute importance of world cricket maintaining its vigilance in relation to anti-corruption."

Former Test umpire Dickie Bird: "World cricket has been brought to its knees with all these allegations. If these allegations are found to be true and these players are found guilty then this game is in a serious mess, a serious mess.

"I think the one day internationals next week should be cancelled. And this young feller, Amir, he's only 18-years of age. The world would have been his oyster. He had everything going for him, he'd have made a lot of money out of commercials, TV, what-have-you and now that lad, if he's found guilty, I'm afraid will be banned from the game."

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly: "We have to wait and see till the investigation ends. But if it is true then very stern action has to be taken.

Former India cricketer Arun Lal: "I am very saddened by the fact that these things keep happening to the game of cricket. I am waiting for the investigations to end and hope that the reports are proved wrong."

A Pakistani cricket fan: "These players have let us and the country down. We are already facing so many problems because of the floods and terrorism and they took away our one source of happiness," one protestor told a television channel.