Blind cricketers under fixing doubt

Pakistan’s defeat in India to be probed by local commission.

KARACHI: Speculations, murmurs and doubts seem to surround all Pakistan-India cricket matches.

From Bangalore to Mohali to Dhaka, the actions and the results are questioned. But it seems that the trend is seeping into blind cricket as well. Raising doubts on the recently held series in Chennai, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) has formed a four-member commission to probe the team’s defeats in one-day and Twenty20.

India won both series 2-1, handing the two-time world champions their first loss after seven consecutive one-day series wins.

PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah said the results were never expected considering Pakistan’s superiority.“The results are shocking,” Shah told The Express Tribune.

“India played with a young side and without a coach. Our side comprised experienced players. Our players are a lot better than them and something went wrong.”

Shah refused to rule out the possibility of match-fixing.

“Fixing is mainly done in matches shown live so the chances are remote but the commission will look into all possibilities to find out the core reasons.” The initiative, according to Shah, was taken to ensure best results in December’s Twenty20 World Cup.

“The team went to India as part of its World Cup preparations but the results shook us. We’ll try to fix the issue after findings and recommendations of the commission to form a winning unit for the major event.” He added the commission was likely to present its recommendation on April 16.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2012.