Mazher Mahmood denies phone hacking involvement

October 13, 2011

Former News of the World journalist Mazher Mahmood has denied that his investigation into alleged spot-fixing at last years Lord''s Test between Pakistan and England began after the unlawful taking of evidence from hacked phones.

Mahmood, also known as the "Fake Sheikh", whose article led to the arrests of Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt on charges of cheating at gambling and receiving corrupt payments, was giving evidence at London''s Southwark crown court from behind a screen to hide his identity, The Guardian reports.