Mutating virus of match-fixing

Nothing unusual though, the gentlemen’s game is surrounded by allegations of wrong and unwelcome doings, of late. Earlier this month, English cricketer Ben Stokes book On Fire made a claim that India lost a 2019 World Cup game to England on purpose — something that weakened Pakistan’s chances of progressing ahead in the tournament. And now a former sports minister of Sri Lanka has accused the national team of deliberately losing the final of the 2011 World Cup to India. Led by MS Dhoni, India chased the 275-run target at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium easily by six wickets with 10 balls to spare. Former cricket great and skipper of the Sri Lankan team that had won the 1996 World Cup had expressed similar concerns three years back and demanded an inquiry.

Back in Pakistan too, the issue has come under a renewed debate after former skipper Saleem Malik has formally applied to the PCB to consider him for serving the country as coach or on a similar position. Malik — as well as newcomer Atu-ur-Rehman — had been hit with lifetime bans for underperforming in international matches played during the 90s. Six other cricketers, including those who are now considered legends, had been fined by a judicial commission back in 2002. Malik claims that while all convicted players are now connected with the game in capacities ranging from coaching to selection, he is the only one who’s rendered a pariah, even though he has “got an all-clear from the courts in Pakistan”.

Match-fixing looks like an ever-mutating virus that is simply out of the control of the ICC and the cricket boards in all its member countries. As part of efforts to suppress this menacing virus, the authorities concerned must not go lenient with all those who have sold the pride of their nations, the sanctity of the game and the emotions of cricket lovers for the sake of making quick illegal bucks.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2020.

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