Ever since S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were nabbed for their involvement in spot-fixing controversy, the world of cricket has gone in a state of shock. But as if that wasn't enough. To add to the wounds, former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful's testimony in fixing during the Bangladesh Premier League has now led to the big question: how safe is the game now?
The match-fixing bug that bit the world cricket for the first time in early 2000 seems to have gone up leaps and bounds. With a large number of former and present cricketers getting involvement in the scam, there are doubts on the cleanliness of the game. After the 2000 episode, former South Africa captain Hansie Cronje confessed of being involved in the racket, but people in the circuit still believe there were more cricketers linked to the scam, who were able to hide themselves.
"Hansie always admitted that he was wrong and he was willing to accept his faults, but I am very sure that many more players were involved. But after seeing how Hansie was treated they chose to remain anonymous. But, having said that - wrong is still wrong," late Cronje's elder brother Frans Cronje told TOI during an interview.
At a time when the International Cricket Council (ICC) eyes a corruption-free set up, isn't it necessary for them to act as well? "The Anti-corruption Unit run by the boards have failed to deliver the goods, and time and again its been proven. We love to pet a White elephant and the ASCUs by the respective cricket boards have become really inappropriate," a former cricketer said on the condition of anonymity.
Even, Frans feels the same. Having lost his brother quite early, the filmmaker feels its important for the ICC to set up a truth and reconciliation commission, allowing people to come forward and confess. "But they need to give the players an assurance of receiving a suspended sentence and second chance to correct their mistakes," Frans opined.
While, Rajasthan Royals bowler Siddharth Trivedi has agreed to be an witness in the IPL fixing scam, former Bangladesh skipper Ashraful has apologized for his involvement in the scam. "I'm offering apology to the nation and my fans. "I'm very much ashamed of what I've done," the explosive batsman said.
But that may not be enough to save the skin. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board has suspended him, chances are that he may be banned from the game, may be forever. Former South Africa cricketer Dave Callaghan can't understand why sensible cricketer indulge into something so sensitive. "Personally, I would be very surprised if any top class player or performer got involved with any type of fixing, they would lose too much if caught. The Royals had a couple of these players in their side, who could easily win a game on their own and they would like to continue for a few seasons," Callaghan felt.
So, where lies the 'catch'? What is it that lure the players? "Simply for quick money. They know, in today's world it won't be bad in earning a little more, and that's how the bookies catch them on the wrong foot," a cricketer said. But Callaghan calls it a shame for a cricketer to get involved into such scams. "The players who feel are not getting paid enough or coming closer to retirement are vulnerable to this type of behaviour and are keen on earning a quick bucks before the end of their careers. It is a real shame as it could ruin the future of game," he said.
Ask Frans and he admits that such 'offers' may be hard to refuse. "After all we as humans are inherently prone to evil. But all the players are adults and thus have the responsibility to make the correct decisions. Contact with bookies is prohibited and you should simply stay away from them," Frans felt.
After facing the ban, Ashraful has tried coming out clean. "I've wholeheartedly assisted the ICC. I've told them everything in detail. I told them about the small mistakes I've done in my decade-long career," the former Bangladesh captain said.
But would the fixing menace be 'fixed' so easily? "The ICC needs to act stronger. Since they are the prime body, the responsibility is theirs," a former cricketer said.
With the bookies looking at every possible option to lure the cricketers, the need of the hour is to act strong and help the youngsters from getting involved in such scams. Fixing has once again risen its ugly head and it's required to clean it for the good.
It's time to stop the big 'bucks'!
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