Yasir Hameed creates more confusion, damage control needed
The match fixing scam took a new turn with another series of startling revelations by News of the World (NOTW) tabloid. The new revelations include video conversation between Yasir Hameed and a journalist posing as marketing member of an airline. In the interview http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Yasir-Hameed-c2811 claims that every match is usually fixed by the Pakistani team. He further expressed his disappointment over the infringement of wide scale corrupt practices in the team.
The revelations include match fixing at Champions Trophy in 2004 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760. With every passing day, the match fixing controversy is taking new turns. Yasir Hameed has contradicted any formal interview that he has given to News of the World.
Hameed has denied the statements in the interview and accused News of The World for fraudulently recording the video of an informal conversation. He further rejected allegations about refusing a bookmaker’s offer to fix a match for 150,000 pounds.
Pandora’s box is now open and what consequences it would bring on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s cricket in particular and the sport itself is yet to be determined. Whether Yasir Hameed has been manipulated by the British tabloid or he intentionally fuelled the controversy is not known. Responsible behaviour is need of the hour to protect the deteriorating image of Pakistani cricket from further degradation.
Whereas the situation demands players to be extra careful and vigilant in their act and talks, the appearance of video conversation defies situational awareness by Pakistani players. The video clearly depicts Yasir Hameed slamming his teammates and creating further doubts.
In the interview, Hameed attributed several past defeats with the attitude of players. He said that players intentionally played dismally due to their links with bookmakers. He expressed his disappointment and anger about the lack of sportsmanship in his teammates. Hameed said that he tried to play his best and win matches but his teammates did not support him due to the charm of money.
The appearance of another controversial video at this critical juncture has exacerbated the situation for Pakistani cricket. However, Hameed rejected any statement attributed to him by the News of The World on local media. Hameed has been called by the Management for explaining his alleged interview with the (NOTW) correspondent. Pakistani High Commissioner, Wajid Shamshul-Hassan, has arranged an emergency meeting with the PCB and Yasir Hameed, who would be asked to explain his point of view in the meeting.
Although, Yasir Hameed has termed the video recording as fabricated, he is required to explain various facts. While he was aware of all the issues in the team, never did he bother to inform management about the corrupt practices observed by his teammates. ICC has yet not given any official statement on the appearance of the video conversation. However, reliable sources within ICC termed the allegations as attributable to breach of Anti-corruption code. According to the source, Yasir Hameed failed to observe the responsibility entrusted on him as per ICC code of conduct. According to the Anti corruption code of conduct, it is the responsibility of every player to identify and highlight any corrupt practices within the cricket sports.
Article 2.4.2 of ICC code of conduct stipulates that a player is responsible to provide full details about any misappropriation in case anyone attempts to seduce or approach him for any act contrary to the Anti-corruption code. Hence, Yasir Hameed has committed an offence by not divulging the known truth in time according to ICC code of conduct.
The startling revelations by Yasir Hameed deserve close scrutiny by the ICC and PCB. Similarly http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Scotland-c756 Yard must also enhance its scope of investigation as per the revelations made by Yasir Hameed.
PCB, on the other hand is maintaining its mysterious silence and the Pakistani High Commissioner has assumed the role of spokesperson for the Pakistani team. Chairman PCB is even absent from the scene since the controversy erupted. Yawer Saeed, Pakistan’s manager said that he is unaware about the allegations levelled by Yasir Hameed. According to Yawer Saeed, Hameed was out of the Pakistani squad since the end of the Test series.
Cricket as a sport is facing huge crisis with the integrity of the game at stake. The allegations and sizzling revelations have badly damaged the reputation of the game. Now the times demand a damage control strategy on part of all stakeholders including ICC and all the local boards.
Tags: