England players consider legal action over Pakistan official's allegation

Dubai: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt has accused the England & Wales Cricket Board of being biased over investigations of bet fixing in matches involving Pakistan players and has threatened to sue those behind what he terms a "sinister conspiracy."

Butt also said Monday the International Cricket Council's handling of the investigation was "terrible" and chief executive Haroon Lorgat should be fired.

He accused England of deliberately losing its last game against Pakistan, but he offered no evidence.

England captain Andrew Strauss issued a statement expressing his team's "surprise, dismay and outrage" at Butt's allegation. Strauss said he and his team were considering legal advice.

The ICC said it would not comment on Butt's remarks.