Indian cricket's ruling body last night suspended five players the Central Bureau of Investigation's match-fixing British detectives prepared to fly to the subcontinent further evidence into the allegations.

The Board of Control for in India banned Mohammed Azharuddin, the for-captain, and four other players from international and domestic matches. The suspension will remain in force while the BCCI carries out its own inquiry into the scandal.

The board's president, AC Muthiab, said the move did "not as yet" amount to a life ban but promised tough action if the findings went against them. The other players suspended are Ajay Jadeja, Ajay Sharma, Nay~n Mongia, and Manoj Prabbakar.

Meanwhile, the all-rounder Craig White, who scored his maiden century for England against a PCB Patron's XI yesterday, denied the allegations against Stewart had affected squad morale. "We've been giving him heaps of support trying to do everything we can to help him through. We'll put it behind us and concentrate on the cricket," said White.

"We have asked all state associations to suspend them," Muthiab said. "The CBI has carried out a painstaking exercise." The BCCI's own investigation would take "about 15 days", he added.

Sir Paul Condon, the head of the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit, has already been in touch with CBI officials, Muthiab said. Two detectives from his squad are expected soon in New Delhi. Sources hinted that two players, Azharuddin and Sharma, are likely to be banned for life, with lesser punishments for Jade Mongia and Prabhakar. Only Azharuddin and Jadeja still play for India. The ban will make lit difference to the Indian line-up since neither player is selected the forthcoming Tests against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

More names may yet emerge from the CBI's investigation. Officials have refused to discuss reports that a second English player, as well as Alec Stewart may be involved.