ICC facilitating spot-fixing: Rashid Latif

Rashid Latif has questioned the ability and willingness of the ICC to stop match-fixing

KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test captain Rashid Latif has questioned the ability and willingness of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to stop match-fixing and claimed that officials have helped the menace of spot-fixing.

Latif, who played 37 Tests and 166 One-Day Internationals, announced his retirement in protest over suspicions of match-fixing on the 1994 tour of Zimbabwe. He later appeared before Justice Malik Qayyum’s commission and testified against fellow players, including then captain Salim Malik.

The former wicket-keeper, better known for his outspoken campaign against match-fixing, also claimed that there is a chain of officials and players. who are involved in spot-fixing.

“It is a chain from top to bottom and I can bet that it would never end until and unless the ICC wants it to end,” Latif told The Express Tribune while adding that the governing body is facilitating spot-fixing by bringing changes into the game.

“First it was just one power-play of 15 overs. But now the ICC has introduced two more power-plays to the One-Day International format which gives more opportunity for spot-fixing,” added the former captain. However, Latif felt changes in cricket laws could curb corruption in the game.

“There is a need for a change in cricket laws which can help control the menace which is hurting the game badly. I proposed changes in the rules some years back but the ICC did not pay attention to them.”

Meanwhile, Latif also said that opening batsman Yasir Hameed’s remarks seemed to be a non-serious discussion. Hameed, who claimed that he was offered £1.5 million by a bookmaker, faces disciplinary action for discussing the spot-fixing controversy with an undercover reporter. Latif felt that Hameed’s claim was dubious.

“It’s impossible that a single player is offered such a big amount of money.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2010.