Suspended trio will defend themselves before ICC

The trio has been suspended by the ICC and their decision to defend is the first sign of defiance from the three players. The players have also complained that the ICC's involvement could prejudice the police investigation into the case.

According to a statement from the players' lawyers published in The Daily Telegraph, they "have written to the ICC indicating their intention to defend themselves".

The ICC earlier this month announced that it was bringing "various charges" against the three Pakistanis. According to the ICC rules, the accused have 14 days from that point to indicate whether they want to appeal against the charges or not.

However, it is not clear when the hearing will take place, as the players have requested time to prepare. All three flew back home to Pakistan after London Police permitted them to leave.

Meanwhile, Scotland Yard interviewed Riaz Tuesday at Kilburn Police Station and later released him without condition.

Although Riaz was not directly implicated in any spot-fixing, he was photographed by the News of The World wearing a jacket that apparently belonged to Mazhar Majeed, the alleged fixer. Mazeed's pocket was allegedly stuffed with 10,000 pounds in cash.