Spot-fixing conviction: World supports critical judgement

Former cricketers believe that while the conviction is a sad event, it is an opportunity to root out corruption.

Reactions to former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt and bowler Mohammad Asif being jailed for 30 months and one year respectively after being found guilty of taking bribes to fix parts of a test match against England in 2010.

Pace bowler Mohammad Amir, who pleaded guilty before the trial of his two team mates, was sentenced to six months.

Most were disappointed that the three, especially young Amir was convicted. Though there was a division of opinion over the sentencing. Some feeling it was too strong, others, not hard enough. Most were in agreement that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to others in the sport.

Former Pakistan national cricket team captain, Rashid Latif, who was known for his integrity and even speaking out against colleagues over alleged corruption said, they deserved this punishment, they had it coming. But now the Pakistan government and Pakistan cricket board should also take action against them.”

He hoped that the sentences would serve as a deterrent, “these convictions will hopefully serve as a deterrent to others in future because cricket should not be allowed to be corrupted by anyone.”

While Imran Khan, who had led Pakistan to their one day international world cup victory in the 1992 edition of the tournament said’ “I feel very sad today not only for the players but for Pakistan and its cricket. But the fact is that when these players see corrupt people flourishing in our society they think they can get away with anything.” He was particularly remorseful over the conviction of youngster Mohammed Amir who had self-confessed to the taking part in the fixing, “I feel very bad for Amir in particular because he still very young. I think he saw others doing it and thought he could get away with it as well.”

Salman Butt, the team captain also sentenced in the case, was defended by his father who said, “what is the credibility of this Mazhar Majeed (the agent who set-up the fix)? There is no concrete evidence against my son and we will fight for his innocence. I will hold a press conference shortly to expose all those involved in framing my son.

Marketing analyst Abid Kazi was puzzled over why Mohammed Amir got involved given the sponsorship companies lining up to get his signature on some very lucrative contracts, “I don't know why they did what they did. A player like Amir was already a hot favorite for companies and was booked in many ad campaigns, guaranteeing him millions.”

Sentence to act as a precedent for corruption deterrence

Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding said, “I hope this acts as a deterrent for others thinking of doing the same thing, not just in England but in the rest of the world.”

While former England all-rounder Ian Botham thought the verdict presented an opportunity to root out corruption and gambling from the sport, “we know it is all over the place, we know it is endemic, now is the time to attack it.”

Former Pakistani cricket captain and wicketkeeper, Moin was of the view that while the sentencing was a sad moment for Pakistan it also signaled new hope for Pakistan cricket. “It is a sad and tragic day for Pakistan cricket but one hopes it will also result in a new beginning for Pakistan cricket,” he said.

Meanwhile South African cricket team manager, Mohammed Moosajee said that the sentence provides an important precedent to curb corruption in the sport, “It is a reality of the world out there. Corruption is rife, especially in sport, and from Cricket South Africa's (CSA) perspective the long-term strategy is to make sure that we nip this in the bud if it ever occurs.”

Bob Willis, the former England bowler was unsure whether the world could take a lesson out of the sentence, “this will certainly help to eradicate spot-fixing and match-fixing in the UK, as for the rest of the world I'm not sure.”

Muhammad  Ejaz, brother of Mohammad Amir disagreed with the sentence, “I am disappointed. This is still a big sentence. He should have been fined and not jailed because he brought all facts before the court and told the court he had done it at someone else's prodding.”

Former Pakistan cricket team manager, Intikhab Alam believed the trio had let their families and their nation down following the conviction, “today is a black day for Pakistan cricket. I feel for these boys but what they have done they must pay for it. They let their families and nation down, which is terrible.”

The sentence was not harsh enough for ex-England fast bowler Darren Gough, “I'm pleased, I would have liked to see the (sentences) longer to be honest.”

Pakistanis stage protest over the convictions

Mohammad Sarwar, a cricket fan participating in a protest in the port city of Karachi said that, “what they have done is shameful and so embarrassing for us. They should have got more punishment.”

While Atif Ahmed, a banker and a cricket fanatic believed that the sentences may provide the push needed to crackdown on other sportsmen involved in illegitimate activities. “While I feel sad because these were all good cricketers, especially Amir, I think it is good that they have been punished.

I now hope that the cricketing authorities also hunt down the players involved in match fixing in other countries too and punish them as well.