Match fixing may kill Pakistan Cricket
The serious allegations of spot-fixing against Pakistani players in the wake of the Lord’s test match depict new fissures in the foundations of Pakistani cricket. Match-fixing is not new for Pakistan as serious allegations have chased the team in the past.
The first case of match fixing appeared in 1998-99 when some Pakistani players were charged of match-fixing. In the backdrop of those charges, the then PCB Patron-in-Chief President Rafiq Tarrar ordered an inquiry against Amir Sohail, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 for its lack of objectivity and meritocracy. The menace of corruption and materialistic wishes by players to mint money has at several times affected the dignity of the Pakistani nation.
The situation has further been exacerbated by an ignorant and indifferent management which depicts the institution to be infested with political appointments. Political stooges with no cricketing background are at the helm of affairs of Pakistan cricket. With the management in the hands of corrupt, inefficient officials, it would be a raw thought to expect ethical and moral behavior from the players. Pakistan Cricket Board affairs are being run like a personal fiefdom of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ijaz-Butt-c64128 which is devoid of rules and regulations. With his relationship to Pakistan’s Defense Minister and the President’s camp, any criticism or advice falls on deaf ears. The recent fiasco reveals the true dents in the system of cricket management in Pakistan. The PCB probe committee let all the players who were accused of grouping against their captain to go free. Contrary to the main culprits Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal, the only straight forward and honest person in the team Younis Khan was barred from playing cricket. How on earth could it be justified as a logical decision? It suggests that the monopoly that the Akmal brothers have in the Pakistani team stands above any law, ethics or moral code. Whosoever challenges their monopoly is hijacked by their conspiracies.
The second dilemma with the management is that they lack the ability to take stern action when the situation demands to do so. The Malik Qayyum Inquiry report about match-fixing allegations against Pakistani players more than a decade ago recommended some very good suggestions. However the recommendations were not implemented in letter and spirit and it is now another ignominious event that has surfaced. He recommended having a strict vigil on players. Plus, the committee recommended isolating certain players from any responsible role in the team. He also recommended having a detailed examination of player’s assets. It was a thorough inquiry and the recommendations were logically framed. However, all his recommendations went in the drain with none of them implemented. Moreover, constant leniency on the part of PCB towards players has led these players taking the management very lightly. Players are continuously getting involved in one controversy or the other. However, no punishments have yet been awarded to any player. PCB’s policy of covering up malicious activities of players has now reached a stage where the country’s respect and dignity has been put at stake by greedy players.
The Lord’s controversy of spot-fixing against Pakistani players has really embarrassed the entire nation. Players act as ambassadors of the country and what image are the Pakistani players projecting across the globe is a question that needs timely answers. It is expected that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Scotland-c756 Yard will thoroughly probe the match-fixing allegations and the real faces of avaricious Pakistani players is unveiled. Time has come for Ijaz Butt to leave. His age has reduced his ability to think logically. Moreover, Butt’s desire to cling to the perks and privileges of the PCB Chairman has resulted in the collapse of cricket management in Pakistan. It is in his advantage to leave the post respectfully by resigning, otherwise his political affiliates won’t be able to defend his antics any further. If the allegations regarding the players accused of spot-fixing are to be true, they should be given exemplary punishment in order to set a precedent for the future lot of players.
The cricket team, management and the PCB now requires a complete overhaul. There is no dearth of cricket talent in Pakistan and the nation could wait with patience for a new team to mature than to send a team which is constantly hurting their pride.
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