An ICC statement on Tuesday said: "The ICC has asked its lawyers to contact the News of the World accepting the offer to provide copies of tapes in their possession allegedly implicating Salim Malik in match-fixing.

If there is an issue we will look into it, it's as simple as that

Australian Cricket Board

If the tapes are given up, they will be passed to the chairman of the code of conduct commission, Lord Griffiths, pending the appointment of the anti-corruption investigation.

"It is anticipated that this appointment will be made in early June," said the statement.

The News of the World newspaper reported Salim as claiming that Australia and Pakistan were trying to throw a Test they played in 1994.

The story prompted the Australian Cricket Board to appoint a special investigator to look into the claims.

But Salim hit back on Monday afternoon, saying: "How can a man already so embroiled in false allegations come out with things like that?"

Nonetheless, he postponed a press conference to explain his side of the story.

"I will come up with my side of the story in the next four or five days," he said.

"I am not going to be quiet, but at the moment I can't say anything more."

Warne - Fined for pitch information

When the story broke on Sunday, ACB chief executive Malcolm Speed gave a measured response.

"Before jumping to conclusions, we must determine if the comments are simply the idle boasts of a man devoid of credibility who is seeking to impress others, or if there is any evidence to support his comments," he said.

"Assuming the newspaper reports are accurate, the allegations raised are very serious."

The ACB's tough line follows criticism in 1998 when it failed to ban Shane Warne and Mark Waugh for supplying weather and pitch information to an Indian bookmaker.

The incident happened four years earlier during a tour of Sri Lanka and the pair were subsequently fined.

Just wait for a few days more and every question will be answered

Salim Malik

Salim was clearly stung by the Australian reaction.

"Instead of questioning the paper's credibility they are questioning my credibility," he said.

"Just wait for a few days more and every question will be answered."

The latest allegations come just a month after the International Cricket Council announced tough new measures aimed at eliminating corruption which has tarnished the game's image.

They include the setting up of an independent Corruption Investigation Agency and life bans for any players or officials found guilty of match fixing or betting offences.

But former Test off-spinner Tim May, now head of the Australian Cricketers' Association, has warned that he is considering legal action over the latest claims.

"It's very important that your reputation remains intact. I'm fully aware of that and I say that with a very clean conscience," he said.

Revelation

Cricket has again been under the microscope since former South African captain Hansie Cronje admitted receiving money from a bookmaker to provide information.

The lCC is awaiting a report from Pakistan following a judicial inquiry into allegations of corruption against players, including Malik.