Mazhar Majeed has thrown the cricketing world into turmoil following an extraordinary mitigation at Southwark Crown Court yesterday.

Details of Majeed's guilt and his shocking statements to court could only be reported after the Croydon Guardian successfully overturned reporting restrictions banning mention of the 36-year-old.

Through his defence barrister Mark Milliken-Smith QC, the former Croydon Athletic owner accused former Pakistani captain Salman Butt and an unnamed second international cricketer of approaching him to fix games.

Majeed was introduced to Butt through his brother Azhar, who worked as a sports agent.

After meeting the players, Majeed followed suit and became an agent, representing Butt among others.

Majeed claimed Butt first raised the issue at the T20 World Cup in 2009, saying he was annoyed other players were making money from fixing and had bought several houses whereas Butt had not.

In the same year, at the end of the Pakistan Australia one day series in Australia, Butt and the unnamed player had lunch with Majeed and raised the topic, according to the Croydon businessman.

Further meetings took place where Butt said other players wanted to be involved.

Majeed was introduced to bookie Sanjay, who organised betting rings on games across the sub-continent.

As the players prepared to come to England for a series, Sanjay would call Majeed to see if he wanted to be involved in spot-fixing.

Majeed claimed it was then that Mahmood, the News of the World undercover journalist, contacted him.

With his businesses struggling, Majeed played up his role as friend to the celebrities and make the most of any opportunities.

He claimed the players agreed to no-ball bowling as it would not affect the result of the game.

Majeed laid accusations against fast bowler Mohammad Asif, saying he paid the player £65,000 to make sure he stayed loyal to his match-fixing ring and not stray to another.

Mr Milliken-Smith said Majeed was the “arranger not the corrupter”.

He added: “Through his own fault he has lost his own reputation, has and continues to lose his businesses and has brought shame, distress and disgrace to those he most treasures: his family. He can only give through me a heartfelt apology.

Majeed accepted the “devastating effect” on not just the sport but the fans and children too.