Former chiefs of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have opposed International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat’s calls to legalise betting in an attempt to curb corruption.
In a recent interview, Lorgat favoured legalising betting in the subcontinent as it would help control the menace of match and spot-fixing. The ICC has taken a strong stance against corruption after three Pakistan cricketers were banned for at least five years due to their role in the spot-fixing scandal during the England tour last year.
Although the ICC chief felt the idea would help the body in controlling corruption, former PCB bosses termed it as a ‘useless’ plan.
“Lorgat’s comment has no weight in it,” former PCB president Khalid Mehmood told The Express Tribune. “Betting and corruption are two different things. If a betting mafia is controlling the players, how would the menace be curbed if it’s legalised? This is not a cure.”
Mehmood added that corruption occurs in countries where betting is legal as well and said that cricket is not the only sport marred by the accusations.
‘Attempt to please India’
The former president felt that the remarks made by Lorgat were an attempt to please the strong betting mafia in India.
“The ICC is under pressure due to the strong betting mafia in India which wants it to be legalised. Everybody knows the ICC is under the influence of India. One cannot think of implementing that in Pakistan because it’s also a religious issue. Any attempt to legalise it could turn into a furious debate.”
He said that corruption can only be prevented by targeting the betting mafia instead of monitoring the players.
“You have to target the root cause, which is the betting mafia that forces players to fix matches. Strong action against them with the help of law enforcing agencies is the only solution.”
‘Hefty salaries can curb corruption’
Former chief executive Arif Abbasi also slammed Lorgat’s statement and said that increasing players’ salaries can help.
“It is a nonsense comment,” said Abbasi. “Something that is forbidden cannot be prevented after legalising it. Lorgat just spoke on India’s viewpoint and it has nothing to do with controlling corruption.
“There is a need to give players a hefty salary and by warning them that they would lose it if they are found guilty of corruption. This is the only way as the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit has failed to do its job properly.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2011.
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