ESSEX cricketer Danish Kaneria has been cleared of betting during a county match last season, it has been confirmed.

ESSEX cricketer Danish Kaneria has been cleared of betting during a county match last season, it has been confirmed.

The Pakistan leg-spinner was arrested in May along with team mate Mervyn Westfield, 22, following an investigation into betting irregularities.

The allegations related to spot-fixing - a practice in which money is placed on individual details and passages of play during a match.

The match in question was a Pro40 win against Durham in September last year.

Essex Police confirmed today that Kaneria, 29, has been released from his bail without charge.

A spokesman said: ““Essex police can confirm that a 29-year-old man from Chelmsford has been released from bail in connection with an investigation into cricket-match irregularities.”

Kaneria’s lawyer, Furqan Anwar, said: “The police have cleared Danish as they didn’t find any concrete evidence to support the allegations.”

Westfield, who has since been released by Essex, remains on police bail until next Wednesday.

Kaneria had been allowed to play for Essex this season whilst police conducted their investigations into the betting allegations.

Kaneria said he would not comment on the case and but added he was relieved to be cleared of any charges.

Pakistani’ cricket has been hit by a massive spot-fixing and betting scandal this month when three players - test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif - were provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their alleged involvement in a scam.

Scotland Yard and the ICC anti-corruption unit are investigating the case and all three have been questioned at Kilburn police station in London.