London:
Irked by the slow approach of authorities in taking action against cricketers accused of spot-fixing, a British newspaper today called for the entire Pakistani team be sent home from England.
The Sun, a sister newspaper of the '
News of the World' which exposed the scandal, took pot shots at ICC and PCB for doing nothing despite the startling revelations.
"Cricket's men in suits mumble and mutter. And do nothing. From Lord's to Lahore, the sport's ruling bodies vow dire consequences against Pakistan's cheating Test players 'if they are found guilty'.
"The Pakistani squad were able to swan off to Somerset as if nothing had happened. Why should the four players most implicated in the betting allegations be allowed to play on?, the paper asked in its editorial.
"It is impossible to escape the impression that cricket's bosses hope the fuss will die down. If not, why have they failed to act with the firmness and resolve called for?
"We don't need cheats in cricket. Taxi to Heathrow, please -- for the entire Pakistan team," the editorial said.
The Pakistan team is scheduled to play a practice match against Somerset in Taunton on Thursday and the first Twenty20 International against England on Sunday.
They are also scheduled to play a five-match ODI series after two-match T20 series.
PCB is under intense pressure to suspend the accused players -- captain Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif, Mohammad Aamir, Kamran Akmal and unnamed three players -- pending the investigation into the issue.