David Richards, ICC's chief executive, said it was important the public ``should have confidence in the game. This kind of matter is very damaging to cricket. If there is guilt then let it be dealt with''.

At the moment the maximum penalty that could be imposed under the game's code of conduct is a ban for three Tests or six one-day internationals - principally for misbehaviour on the field.

ICC are hoping to receive a report from the Pakistan cricket board on the judicial commission sitting to investigate allegations against three players in time for their meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand, in January.

``We have been considering whether it is possible for a further disciplinary process to be added to the rules,'' Richards said. ``We are certainly talking about the possibility of some form of lengthy ban for match fixing.''

Richards said ICC did not want to interfere in Pakistan's internal matters and denied the council had been dilatory in taking action in the case.

However, evidence given in Lahore suggests it took several months for ICC to pass on information alleging that Pakistan's Salim Malik tried to bribe three Australian players to perform poorly during their 1994 tour.