Match-fixing scam: Bookie Mazhar Majeed out on bail

London:

Bookie Mazhar Majeed, who was arrested after the British tabloid, The News of the World, splashed details of a sting operation it conducted on him, has been released on bail without any charge. (Read: The Cricket scandal that has rocked Pakistan)

The ghosts of match-fixing returned to haunt the Pakistan cricket as the Scotland Yard arrested Majeed, an alleged fixer, after sordid details about corruption in the Pakistan cricket team currently facing defeat in the Lord's Test emerged in the British tabloid. (In Pics: Pakistan's endless 'fixing' saga)

'The News of the World' said it gave 150,000 pounds to Majeed after he promised to arrange for Pakistan bowlers to bowl no-balls during the fourth and final Test match between England and Pakistan, which finished on Sunday with an England win. (Match-fixing scam: Pak captain defends team)

Majeed, a 35-year-old property tycoon who also owns Croydon Athletic Football Club, was arrested late on Saturday night by the Scotland Yard.

He had told the News of the World how he launders match-fixing money through the football club. "The only reason I bought a football club is to do that," he said. (Exclusive: 'Fixing evidences undeniable')

The video shows him demanding a £10,000 down payment before guaranteeing two no-balls on the second day of the match during a secret meeting outside a restaurant where he was dining with the team.

Also, a latest video released by British tabloid The News of the World is perhaps the most shocking one yet. After the video where bookie Mazhar was seen putting 10,000 pounds into his jacket which was handed over by the News of the World reporter, in the new video Majeed is seen taking off the jacket and handing it over to Pak fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who puts it on. (Read: Suspend Pakistan team for match-fixing allegations: Speed)

The British tabloid has said bookie Mazhar Majeed also boasted that the betting syndicate made more than 830,000 pounds with one controversial Test this year. And high on the list of investigations will be the second Test between Australia and Pakistan in Sydney last January.

At the start of the fifth and final day, Pakistan were all set to win that game but collapsed dramatically to lose it. Australia's last two batting partnerships managed 124 runs that set Pakistan the relatively easy target of 176 runs to win. But they were bowled out for just 139 and lost.

Now, British tabloid The Sun has reported that Pakistani players also allegedly rigged the opening Test against England at Nottingham, which the hosts won by a massive 354 runs, in the series just ended.

The Sun has reported that Scotland Yard's Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick was told about Pakistani players being involved in match fixing a month ago.

"Ms Dick, head of the Specialist Crime Directorate, was still assessing that information yesterday when a News of the World probe exposed a Pakistani match-fixing ring," the report said.

Meanwhile, during the investigation on Saturday, the Scotland Yard detectives spoke to Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif and skipper Salman Butt and took away their mobile phones, Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed confirmed on Sunday.

However, despite the allegations, Saeed has denied that Pakistan cricket was "institutionally corrupt".

"We would like to wait to see what happens in the investigation. Only then we can say anything," Saeed said.

Back home the Pakistan cricket fraternity is stunned by the latest developments and have reacted with shock and anger to the 'spot-fixing' scandal. They said the accused players and the team management should be called back home immediately and prompt steps be taken to deal with the scandal. (Watch: Biggest blow to Pak cricket if proved: Imran)

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has also expressed his disappointment at the allegations and promised that any player found guilty would be severely punished.

If wrongdoing was proven, "all the players involved must forget to play for Pakistan in future," the President's spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.