Shady Asian cricket betting rings are reported to be directly funding al-Qaida terrorism.

The new accusations have alarmed Britain's security services. Muslim extremists are deeply rooted in Pakistan's shady underworld, with criminal activity bolstering their coffers.

"The case involving the three Pakistani players has initially been traced back to an Indian betting ring, but the tentacles of this operation extend into Pakistan and beyond.There are huge sums of money to be made terror groups like al-Qaida are always keen to get in on the act," The Daily Express quoted a security source, as saying.(ANI)