A WELL-KNOWN Pakistani cricketer has admitted trying to marry a British woman in a sham Huddersfield wedding.

Leeds Crown Court heard yesterday how Javed Iqbal – currently living at Yews Hill Road in Thornton Lodge – has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful entry into the UK along with perjury.

It is alleged that 38-year-old Iqbal, who is originally from Faisalabad, arranged to marry Natalie Louise Roberts, 27, so he could stay in the country.

Iqbal has been a high-profile all-rounder in the Drakes Huddersfield League, winning the Non-EU Player of the Year in 2003 while at Skelmanthorpe.

The all-rounder has played cricket for Almondbury and Skelmanthorpe before his current club Holmfirth.

It is understood he has been on a rolling UK visa for at least the last nine years and he now faces deportation.

‘Bride’ Roberts, of Gaddesby Avenue in Leicester, has also pleaded guilty to the same charges.

Six people stand accused of being involved in the fake marriage at Huddersfield Register Office.

Three – including the ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ admit the charges against them. Craig Hughes, 30, of Dunholme Road in Leicester, admits conspiracy to assist the marriage.

The other three, who appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday, deny they were involved.

They are Mohammed Ajmal, 45, of Northfield Grove, Lockwood; Mohammed Taj, 41, of Moorbottom Road, Lockwood and Salim Mullan, 57, of Tuskar Road in Leicester.

Ajmal and Taj, who were ‘witnesses’ at the wedding, have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful entry into the UK.

Mullan has recently been added to the list of accused and the court heard how he may too face charges in relation to the wedding.

No charges have yet been put to Mullan and there will be a court hearing on December 5 where his defence will argue the case against him be dismissed.

All except Mullan were arrested by UK Border Agency officials at Huddersfield Register Office at Huddersfield Town Hall after arriving for a civil ceremony on April 12.

Roberts was wearing a traditional Asian dress in purple with gold adornments.

Iqbal was wearing a suit and tie.

A trial is scheduled for April 10 next year.