Ijaz Butt has been congratulated by the ICC

The International Cricket Council says it is impressed by the moves being made by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The PCB has been working on an anti-corruption code, a plan to regulate agents of its players and an improved education programme.

"We are indeed impressed by the progress reported," said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat on Sunday.

"The PCB has clearly recognised that it is imperative to protect the integrity of cricket," he added.

"Their willingness to play such an active role on the integrity issue is vital to the future of international cricket. They have shown a clear determination to tackle their challenges.

The PCB chairman and his team must be congratulated PTT chairman Giles Clarke

"The ICC Task Team is mindful of those challenges and is committed to supporting the PCB."

The PCB's measures come in light of spot-fixing allegations made against three Pakistan cricketers - Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif - during the summer tour of England.

Butt, Amir and Asif were caught by a News of the World sting which alleged they accepted money to deliberately bowl no balls during the fourth Test against England at Lord's.

They were provisionally suspended and charged by the ICC, and were also questioned by Scotland Yard detectives over the allegations.

"The PCB chairman and his team must be congratulated for the speed with which they have adopted the recommendations of the ICC Board," stated Pakistan Task Team chairman Giles Clarke.

"Everyone is encouraged by the statements and actions of the PCB and we must hope that they continue."

PCB chairman Ijaz Butt commented: "The PCB is determined to implement the recommendations provided by the ICC. We at the PCB, like the ICC, are committed to a zero-tolerance approach to any form of corruption."

Meanwhile, Pakistan's team manager Intikhab Alam has said three players have been fined for breaking curfew during the team's series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates.

Alam stated opener Shahzaib Hasan, spinner Abdul Rehman and wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider were fined 500 dirhams (£85) for staying out late in Abu Dhabi where the series began in October.

Pakistan are under pressure to avoid any off-field incidents and Alam revealed that the fines are aimed at reminding players that disciplinary problems will not be tolerated.

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