Salman Butt, Pakistan’s Test captain, and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir left their central London hotel in the morning to take an afternoon flight to Pakistan.
Wearing a T-shirt, Salman looked composed as he came out of his cab at the Heathrow Airport. Amir, the 18-year-old paceman didn’t look his usual self as Asif, sporting a jacket, followed him as they entered the airport.
The three players, who have been accused of accepting bribes from match-fixers during the Lord’s Test against England late last month, were allowed to return home by the authorities following assurances from the Pakistan government that the trio will be sent back to England if needed for further investigation.
The trio were charged and provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) under its Anti-Corruption Code. They were questioned by Scotland Yard detectives under caution last week.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt issued a statement, stressing that the players are maintaining their innocence.
"They have not been charged by the police with any offence," said Butt. "They have fully co-operated with the police in their inquiries and maintain that they are innocent of any alleged wrongdoing.
"They have agreed with the police to return to England if the police request them to do so to further assist the police in their enquiries.
"I have no further comments to make at this time."
On Friday morning, the players’ solicitors Addleshaw Goddard released a statement on behalf of the PCB and the three players.
"The Metropolitan Police has been notified that Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt will return to Pakistan later this morning,” read the statement.
"The players are looking forward to being reunited with their families. They remain available to co-operate fully with the police investigation and have each given undertakings to return to the UK if required to do so," it added.
Meanwhile, rookie pacer Wahab Riaz, the fourth player who is to be questioned by Scotland Yard officials on Tuesday, remains with the Pakistan team in Durham.
