The International Cricket Council have charged Hong Kong players Irfan Ahmed, Nadeem Ahmed and Haseeb Amjab for breaching the anti-corruption code of conduct.

The trio are facing 19 counts – and have been provisionally suspended with immediate effect.

All three have been charged for January 2014’s 2015 World Cup qualifiers. Brothers Nadeem and Irfan will face additional charges for one or more matches during the 2016 World Twenty20.

Irfan has been charged with nine offences – and Nadeem and Amjab five each.

All-rounder Irfan was suspended previously, in April 2016, after admitting to breaching the anti-corruption code.

‘It is pleasing to note that the investigation upon which these charges were founded originated from information that had been disclosed to the ACU,’ anti-corruption unit chairman Ronnie Flanagan said at the time.

‘This is a clear and welcome demonstration that participants now more and more fully realise their own responsibilities in combating this scourge on the game through prompt and diligent reporting as required by the Code.

‘However, it is also indicative of the worrying trend that those intent on corrupting the game are increasingly focusing their activities on Associate Member cricket and that the sport therefore needs to ensure that it is appropriately resourced and protected in that area.’

The three players have until 22 October to formally respond to the charges.

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