Cricketer Aamer leaves for London to face trial

Former Pakistan paceman Mohammad Aamer left for London on Thursday, where he is set to face a criminal trial for corruption charges over alleged spot fixing. Aamer, former captain Salman Butt, fellow fast bowler Mohammad Asif and their agent Mazher Majeed have been charged with conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments.

The quartet were arrested after police inquiries following accusations in the News of the World newspaper that no-balls were deliberately bowled in the fourth Test match at London's Lord's Cricket Ground last August.

Friday's hearing at Southwark Crown Court, south London is expected to be a procedural affair where the date for the trial proper will be set.

The three players face charges of conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payment - crimes punishable by two to seven years' imprisonment under English law.