The current Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s is embroiled in an alleged cricket betting scam.
Scotland Yard said a 35-year-old man was being held on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers.
UK Sunday newspaper The News of the World claimed it gave £150,000 ($233,000) to a middleman who provided details about three “no balls” which later took place as predicted.
There are no allegations the result of the Test will be affected or that England players had any knowledge of the alleged scam.
“No players nor team officials have been arrested in relation to this incident and the fourth npower Test match will continue as scheduled on Sunday” said a joint statement issued by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“As this is now subject to a police investigation neither ICC, ECB, PCB nor the ground authority, the MCC, will make any further comment”.
The News of the World alleges Pakistani players deliberately bowled “no balls” during the Test after receiving payment in order to do so.
Three “no balls” delivered by Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif on Thursday and Friday are at the centre of the allegation.
“The idea that any activity during a game is prearranged for money undermines the integrity of an entire sport” said Bill Akass, managing editor of the News of the World.
“I’m frankly astonished that this game is going ahead today”.
England look set to secure an innings victory in the Test at Lord’s today after taking 14 Pakistan wickets on Saturday and a 3-1 victory in the four-match Test series is likely.
