Not worried about bookies, says Pakistan team manager

Measures taken to avoid controversy during the event.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan team management is unperturbed by reports suggesting that several bookies have reached Sri Lanka, fuelling reports that the fixing menace might affect the upcoming World Twenty20.

While the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will be active to curb unwanted elements, the Pakistan team management has done its own homework to keep the players away from any controversies. It was recently revealed in a report that several bookies have assembled in Sri Lanka and have already started their planning to influence the event.

Pakistan suffered from the 2010 spot-fixing scam, which resulted in imprisonment and bans to Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir. Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria also received a life-time ban from county cricket due to spot-fixing charges. However, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema said the current lot of players will be able to avoid any controversy.

“We are not bothered by such reports,” the manager told The Express Tribune. “This is because we have done our homework and prepared well to avoid such threats. Our defined SOPs and precautions are flawless and by following this effectively no untoward episode can happen.”

Strict instructions for players

The manager added that the SOPs, which the team will have to follow, include strict orders for each player of the team.

“It stops players from hanging out with strangers. The early curfew and the restriction on using social networking sites will also help. Our security manager [Col Waseem Ahmed] is experienced and will be at the helm of monitoring players. Emphasis has been put on younger players as well.”

‘Players better educated than ever’ 

The manager was also confident that players would keep themselves safe.

“Players are aware of the menace. They are better educated about the threat through the lectures against corruption. The players discipline has been perfect for the past few months. They’re focused on their performance and the team management is hopeful they will not indulge in any controversy.”

Pakistan leave for Colombo from Dubai on September 11, soon after playing their third and final Twenty20 against Australia.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2012.