View Full Version : Matchfixing scandal hits Pakistan cricket
Indian_Hotdog
29 Aug 2010, 08:26
The News of the World tabloid has smashed a multi-million pound cricket match-fixing ring which rigged the current Lord's Test between England and Pakistan.
In the most sensational sporting scandal ever, bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif delivered three blatant no-balls to order.
Their London-based fixer Mazhar Majeed, who let the reporter in on the betting scam for £150,000, crowed "this is no coincidence" before the duo made duff deliveries at PRECISELY the moments promised to our reporter.
Armed with our damning dossier of video evidence, Scotland Yard launched their own probe into the scandal and have led to the arrest of fixer Mazhar Majeed.
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00144/bowl_280_144457a.jpg
There is also confirmation from the man arrested that the Sydney test in Jan 2010 was fixed
"The odds for Pakistan to lose that match, for Australia to win that match, were I think 40-1. We let them get up to 150 then everyone lost their wickets.That one we made 1.3 million dollars "
Some matches of the recently finished Asia cup were fixed and two upcoming ODIs against Eng were to be 'arranged' as well.
"Boss I'm telling you, the timing you've come into. It's perfect because the one days and Twenty20s are about to start and we're going to be making a hell of a lot money."
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/924349/Cricket-in-the-dock-as-we-expose-betting-scandal-England-Pakistan-Test.html
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/924793/We-made-830k-when-Pakistan-collapsed-in-the-Aussie-match.html
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00144/players_144458a.jpg
redragger
29 Aug 2010, 08:32
http://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/content/current/story/474890.html
The fourth Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's is at the centre of a police investigation into spot-fixing, after a 35-year-old man was arrested after allegedly being caught offering to bribe Pakistan's bowlers to bowl no-balls on demand.
According to a report in The News of the World, Mazher Majeed accepted £150,000 to arrange a fix involving Pakistan's new-ball bowlers, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, whom he allegedly asked to bowl no-balls at specific moments of the match. The paper also alleges that the team captain, Salman Butt, and the wicketkeeper, Kamran Akmal, are involved, along with three other unnamed cricketers.
The integrity of Test cricket is compromised every time these sheisters play. After every dramatic collapse, or every dropped catch, the question is always posed; is there a sinister motive behind this? The sad thing is they've got some good young cricketers, but unfortunately I can't stand seeing them play on the international arena. Don't know what you do, but Test cricket can't go on like this...
Indian_Hotdog
29 Aug 2010, 08:57
Police searching pakistani player's rooms - recovered two bags and have taken someone in custody.The bag apparently contains money and cellphones.
Just seen the video.The fixer predicts 1st ball of 3rd over and last ball of 10th over will be a no ball as agreed.
And there you have it -
From cricinfo -
2.1
Mohammad Amir to Cook, 1 no ball, 88.3 mph, no-ball this time from Amir, rare from him, the delivery was pretty decent though, swinging away a fraction. Yikes, on replay that was an enormous no-ball, good half a metre over the line
9.6
Mohammad Asif to Strauss, (no ball) 1 run, 82.7 mph, Strauss picks up a single with a controlled prod towards point
Wallaby
29 Aug 2010, 08:59
The sad thing is it's taken a british Tabloid to perform the investigation that should have been done years ago to confirm this. ICC should have done this - oh, that's right, there's no money in it for them.
Don't worry too much - there'll be some way of explaining this away - 'comments taken out of context', 'illegal filming', and nothing will be done.
Fact is EVERY sport where humans are involved has potential for match-fixing - particularly spot-fixing. There's a Rugby League one going on right now as well.
Surely it's time to boot Pakistan from international cricket for a few years.
Bond,ShaneBond
29 Aug 2010, 10:47
Life bans, and no shortening of them like they did last time.
There has to be zero tolerance, and no passing the buck to individual county boards. The ICC have to do something for once.
whats_at_stake
29 Aug 2010, 11:38
Just when Pakistan starts unearthing some great youngsters as well.
Oh well hope they get the treatment they deserve (assuming it is proved)- always suspected the Sydney test was dodgy- guess it probably was.
so frickin' gutted.
I've read a few intersting allegations so far, like Pakistan only picking players who agreed to do it. While I doubt it's true, it does make you re-consider why Yousuf got re-called and Khan didn't.
BarneyBent
29 Aug 2010, 12:07
Shit... Amir, what a ****ing idiot. Arguably the best young bowling prospect in world cricket, one of the most attractive to watch, exactly the sort of player that could lift Pakistan out of its current "Dark Age". Easily the brightest light in Pakistani cricket at the moment, and now he's mixed up in this. Definitely the most disappointing aspect of the scandal IMO.
That said, I guess if your captain is involved, it would take a lot to resist, especially if you're just a kid. If your captain tells you to do something, you're taught from a very early age to DO IT. I'm sure Trevor Chappell sympathises.
Surely it's time to boot Pakistan from international cricket for a few years.
India would throw a powerplay tantrum to keep them in.
frankrizzo
29 Aug 2010, 13:12
I thought at the time young amir was deliberately overstepping(no bowler that good oversteps by two feet accidentally) trying to rough up the batsmen.
As others have said time for the ICC to finally do something useful, Pakistan will just hand out life bans which will be removed in 4 months.
Lets not forget a guy like asif used steroids then got arrested for opium and still he continues to play.
No wonder these guys think they are bulletproof and get away with it time after time.
Funny younis khan never gets mentioned in match fixing allegations...funny he was the one seven players took a blood oath against in australia...most dangerous thing in pakistan cricket might be the one honest man.
Sylvia Saint
29 Aug 2010, 13:19
Can someone explain to me what the reasoning behind bowling deliberate no-balls on demand is? Obviously they can't take wickets with these deliveries but I still don't really see the point behind it (not going to have a massive bearing etc)... Maybe I'm missing something obvious...
Cousin Jed
29 Aug 2010, 13:20
All that money for a no ball.
I'm in the wrong game.
frankrizzo
29 Aug 2010, 13:29
Can someone explain to me what the reasoning behind bowling deliberate no-balls on demand is? Obviously they can't take wickets with these deliveries but I still don't really see the point behind it (not going to have a massive bearing etc)... Maybe I'm missing something obvious...
It's called spot fixing, most cricket betting in the subcontinent is actually ball by ball/over by over and not on the outcome of the actual match.
As in i think tendulkar will hit a 4 next ball or asif will bowl a wide/no ball this over ect.
It really shouldn't be that much of a surprise, cronje was spot fixing matches over a decade ago, it's very hard to get a whole team to lose but it's easy to get a few players to score under particular number of runs in an innings or for bowlers to bowl no balls.
As obvious as the no balls were without the undercover sting we would have all forgot about them.
Can someone explain to me what the reasoning behind bowling deliberate no-balls on demand is? Obviously they can't take wickets with these deliveries but I still don't really see the point behind it (not going to have a massive bearing etc)... Maybe I'm missing something obvious...
uh money? Bookmakers will give huge amounts of money to players if they agree to do spot-fixing.
Btw, this isn't a case of match-fixing, it's spot fixing. It's is too hard for bookmakers to organise match-fixing nowadays (they're certain expectations ie the Hansie leather-jacket match), spot-fixing - betting on what will happen during the match, on the next ball of the over etc - is where it's at nowadays.
And the reason why they bowled no-balls instead of taking wickets on purpose is because that's just a lot easier to organise for the bookmaker and a lot easier for the player to do.
It really shouldn't be that much of a surprise, cronje was spot fixing matches over a decade ago, it's very hard to get a whole team to lose but it's easy to get a few players to score under particular number of runs in an innings or for bowlers to bowl no balls.
Unless the players don't follow the orders...Gibbs! :D
(backstory: Cronje had got Gibbs to agree to get out for under 20 in this match (http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/64661.html), however Gibbs completely forgot to do it! Henry Williams was also supposed to concede over 50 runs during his bowling spell, but got injured)
OzBomber
29 Aug 2010, 13:36
Just backs up what we thought during the Sydney test. Kamran Akmal dropped those catches on purpous. I hope they get thrown out of cricket, but knowing the ICC they'd be too gutless to do it.
Sylvia Saint
29 Aug 2010, 13:36
Yep that would make sense then. Cheers guys.
Very disappointing that the best young talent in world cricket has been caught up in it all.
Just backs up what we thought during the Sydney test. Kamran Akmal dropped those catches on purpous. I hope they get thrown out of cricket, but knowing the ICC they'd be too gutless to do it.
Disagree. The run-out is the only suss one. It's pretty hard to purposely drop a catch when standing up to the stumps. If Kamran is able to do that he's a much better keeper than we realised. The leg-side one off the pace bowler is perhaps suss too, but if you've already (accidentally) dropped two catches everything becomes a hard catch afterwards.
The much more likely option is that during the night - remember, Australia was ahead by 80 runs at stumps on day 4 - someone got into Yousuf's ear and said "hey just get the Australian lead up over 150 runs so the odds change around a bit. We're not telling you to lose, just get Australia's lead up to 150 so that creates doubt in the betters' mind and the odds change." Yousuf's field settings at the beginning of Day 5 certainly were not wicket taking fields.....
good article on spot-fixing here btw: http://www.cricinfo.com/match-fixing-anniversary/content/story/468255.html
Bond,ShaneBond
29 Aug 2010, 14:05
I suggest reading all of the articles on the News of the World site. It talks about the Sydney Test specifically. They were also planning on purposely dropping two ODI's against England, plus mentions an Asia Cup game against SL.
Stuart Broad should have his test match century taken off him :p
Stuart Broad should have his test match century taken off him :p
have already said that to some english friends :D Justice if I've ever seen it. Lara, Sachin and Ponting not having their names on the batting honours board at Lord's and Broad having his is just not fair....
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/924628/Majeed-revealed-he-was-plotting-for-Pakistan-to-lose-TWO-of-the-One-Day-Internationals.html
love it. the guy who has been done for walking on the pitch and biting on the ball may have been the honest one all along!
whats_at_stake
29 Aug 2010, 15:32
Whilst I think they should come down on the players very hard as match-fixing is unaceptable it is still important to note that maybe the players could have received threats if they did not match-fix as the underworld bookies have known to do. India for example has blacklisted the UAE and never play there (someone please confirm- not 100%) due to bookies trying to threaten players I think.
Also would suggest Woolmer's death may have been match-fixing related possibly.
OzBomber
29 Aug 2010, 15:47
Also would suggest Woolmer's death may have been match-fixing related possibly.How can you match-fix a murder? :confused:
Crimson King
29 Aug 2010, 16:00
AF7HbDmvTWo
How can you match-fix a murder? :confused:
You can bet on what time people die nowadays.
whats_at_stake
29 Aug 2010, 16:16
How can you match-fix a murder? :confused:
I meant he knew about what was going on and it was rumoured he was writing a book exposing betting and stuff- basically murdered by bookies maybe.
Cousin Jed
29 Aug 2010, 16:19
You can bet on what time people die nowadays.
These guys are high on the suspect list (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=663578)
If Woolmer knew what was going on and people thought he was going to tell, wouldn't take much to knock him off.
One would hope if Woolmer knew he would have gone straight to the ICC rather than make a cheap buck out of it via a book....
Cat Attack08
29 Aug 2010, 17:14
The players will get a slap on the wrist from the ICC as the ICC don't want to upset the Asian block as that is where all the money is.
You watch the punishment will be something like 6 test ban with half suspended
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00144/bowl_280_144457a.jpg
Gee I'm glad they put that black circle on there.
I wouldn't have worked out it was a no-ball otherwise. :p
One would hope if Woolmer knew he would have gone straight to the ICC rather than make a cheap buck out of it via a book....
He probably figured there was more chance of action being taken by writing a book rather than going to the ICC. :D
whats_at_stake
29 Aug 2010, 18:28
The players will get a slap on the wrist from the ICC as the ICC don't want to upset the Asian block as that is where all the money is.
You watch the punishment will be something like 6 test ban with half suspended
I actually doubt this- if we look at history Azzurdhin and Jadeja (IND) all received life bans.
I would expect the senior players to get a life ban and the young ones a year out.
In contrast you would say the West probably has done less- both Warne and Mark Waugh (?) were basically given nothing (a fine from memory) and Gibbs not much either from memory.
Disgraceful, the ICC has to come down hard on these players.
albundysmate
29 Aug 2010, 18:37
it staggering someone could be this stupid to do this. but pakistan have had history with this sort of stuff and they will always be suspects every test loss they have. this will be the last time we will see this brilliant bowler play
Jimpson
29 Aug 2010, 18:48
It'll be interesting to see how the ICC respond. Sure it's innocent until proven guilty but if they can verify that the video was shot before the test then that's it, game over.
The only one i'm dissapointed about is Aamer/Amir, with the right guidance this kid could be massive. Too bad his career could be over before it really began.
Juddism
29 Aug 2010, 18:56
India would throw a powerplay tantrum to keep them in.
and that is the problem right there, the amount of money Indian throws at the game entices players to fix matches, because at the end of the day they are still getting paid handsomely thanks to IPL et al.
you can bet your $$ that the scandal will have its origins in India somewhere.
whats_at_stake
29 Aug 2010, 19:09
and that is the problem right there, the amount of money Indian throws at the game entices players to fix matches, because at the end of the day they are still getting paid handsomely thanks to IPL et al.
you can bet your $$ that the scandal will have its origins in India somewhere.
Actually you could argue the reverse- the more money a player gets the less likely they are to throw a match. Ponting on $1m a year if offered say $100 000 is less likely to take it then a player from Pakistan who is on say $100 000 a year and can double their income.
The more money players get the more likely they will want to protect themselves and be less inclined to be greedy.
Ditch Pakistan, promote Bangladesh to full membership and problem solved with India, makes a certain kind of sense. :p
On India though (and Juddisms post) didn't the IPL refuse contracts to the Pakistani players wanting to partake in most every year since the 1st? If the origins were in India you would assume it'd be easier tomask the operations since they'd be native and it'd then be the best interests to allow the Pakistan players to join teams to then impact matches? No doubt you'd think the finances were based around India and some would be involved but I doubt the origin is entirely Indian in nature.
Jascave
29 Aug 2010, 20:02
If the ICC had the guts to do so, they should've suspended Pakistan from international cricket for 2-4 years until the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) clear out the skeletons in their closet that is match-fixing. Unfortunately, the ICC is nothing more than a toothless tiger and lacks any courage to make the really tough decisions. Why didn't the ICC take strong action after the Australia-Pakistan Test in Sydney earlier this year?
placebo
29 Aug 2010, 20:08
This is ridiculous and hugely disappointing.
Especially with Amir. Such a huge talent that could go all to waste.
outabounds
29 Aug 2010, 21:05
Yep unbelievable. Pakistan should be removed from international cricket. Cant wait to see the piss weak ICC take on this. The only person they have had the balls to deal with harshly ever was Darrell Hair because he had the guts to enforce the Laws of the game.
Jimpson
29 Aug 2010, 21:11
Why didn't the ICC take strong action after the Australia-Pakistan Test in Sydney earlier this year?
On what exactly? Nothing has been proven yet either way in regards to that match. Given what's happened it does look suss, and the arrested bloke says that game was fixed, but they can't implement a match-fixing investigation every time a team collapses.
But this is a perfect time now for the ICC to take a stand and get rid of them.
TheStinger
29 Aug 2010, 21:37
Anyone who thought that Pakistan weren't involved in some kind of match altering shenanigans for the past few years was either naive or had their head in the sand saying "NOT LISTENING NOT LISTENING NOT LISTENING."
If the ICC do the right thing and ban Pakistan for a few years, then I'll bet an Amir no-ball on England starting the 2013 Ashes series with a few new Pakistani immigrants in their lineup.
I can see it now. Two South Africans, A Welshman, three Pakistanis and some token Englishmen.
Selective Retention
29 Aug 2010, 21:52
NOTW were the paper that outted them last time around too, catching Salim Malik on video.
Trashy british tabloids doing more to expose match fixing than the ICC :rolleyes:
Yep unbelievable. Pakistan should be removed from international cricket.
Problem is that we'll have like 4-5 competitive teams left playing.
djrossie
29 Aug 2010, 22:24
This is laughable. Life bans should be in order. Now Australia needs to reevaluate their recent performances. I mean did Amir drop Ponting on purpose that time in Tasmania. Probably not but who knows. It goes to show the amount of collapses happening are no coincidence.
whats_at_stake
29 Aug 2010, 22:40
Interesting- this could have served as a deterrant years ago if they had done this then. Did not know that Akram was ever involved.
http://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/content/current/story/474939.html
Pakistan have been cricketing pariahs for decades. Some things never change.
Escobar123
29 Aug 2010, 23:44
The players will get a slap on the wrist
A bit like Warne & Waugh then
In contrast you would say the West probably has done less- both Warne and Mark Waugh (?) were basically given nothing (a fine from memory) and Gibbs not much either from memory.
I heard that Gibbs received six months?
What Mark Waugh and Shane Warne did probably warranted suspension, but whilst what they did was ill-advised, it was not really colluding to affect a match's outcome the way that this sort of stuff is.
But then, if any team was going to be involved in this stuff, it'd be Pakistan. :rolleyes:
Doodlesweaver
30 Aug 2010, 03:23
Shit... Amir, what a ****ing idiot. Arguably the best young bowling prospect in world cricket, one of the most attractive to watch, exactly the sort of player that could lift Pakistan out of its current "Dark Age". Easily the brightest light in Pakistani cricket at the moment, and now he's mixed up in this. Definitely the most disappointing aspect of the scandal IMO.
That said, I guess if your captain is involved, it would take a lot to resist, especially if you're just a kid. If your captain tells you to do something, you're taught from a very early age to DO IT. I'm sure Trevor Chappell sympathises.
Couldn't agree more. I actually feel depressed about it where Amer is concerned. Such a talent. I prefer watching him bowl to any of the Aussies about x100.
Not at all surprised by Kamran Akmal's naming, after Sydney, nothing would surprise me about that player and the Pakistan fans make allegations about his links with betting rings fairly constantly.
Problem is, they don't get paid much, have a really dodgy board to deal with and probably just want to make as much money as fast as they can when they do get to play. They don't have the kind of secure, well-paid contracts that the English, Aus and even Indian players have.
I am not making excuses for them, but in terms of financial gain, it is probably far more worth it for them than for players from certain other countries.
What a depressing shambles.
The Reaper
30 Aug 2010, 06:09
It does make you wonder about Younis Khan.
He got the sack as captain because apparently he had lost the trust of his players (eg Butt and the Akmals).
The Reaper
30 Aug 2010, 06:12
Couldn't agree more. I actually feel depressed about it where Amer is concerned. Such a talent. I prefer watching him bowl to any of the Aussies about x100.
Not at all surprised by Kamran Akmal's naming, after Sydney, nothing would surprise me about that player and the Pakistan fans make allegations about his links with betting rings fairly constantly.
Problem is, they don't get paid much, have a really dodgy board to deal with and probably just want to make as much money as fast as they can when they do get to play. They don't have the kind of secure, well-paid contracts that the English, Aus and even Indian players have.
I am not making excuses for them, but in terms of financial gain, it is probably far more worth it for them than for players from certain other countries.
What a depressing shambles.
Salman Butt is the vice president of the Pakistani National Bank so I very much doubt that he can pool off the 'needed the money' excuse.
PrideOf
30 Aug 2010, 08:33
Interesting- this could have served as a deterrant years ago if they had done this then. Did not know that Akram was ever involved.
http://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakistan-2010/content/current/story/474939.html
That perfectly sums up the way business is done in Pakistan.
This is the quote from that article, from the judge whose job it is to preside over the inquiry.
"The quantum of punishment is more of one's subjective decision, and I was lenient towards one or two of them," he had said. "I had some soft corner for him [Wasim]. He was a very great player, a very great bowler and I was his fan, and therefore that thing did weigh with me."
What hope have we got if the judge goes easy because he's a fan ... and actually dumb enough to admit it.
I've done business in both Pakistan and India in the past 10 years and their view of ethics is very different to ours. Very different. Based on that experience, I can see why the players did what they did - and why they thought nothing of it.
Couldn't agree more. I actually feel depressed about it where Amer is concerned. Such a talent. I prefer watching him bowl to any of the Aussies about x100.
Not at all surprised by Kamran Akmal's naming, after Sydney, nothing would surprise me about that player and the Pakistan fans make allegations about his links with betting rings fairly constantly.
Problem is, they don't get paid much, have a really dodgy board to deal with and probably just want to make as much money as fast as they can when they do get to play. They don't have the kind of secure, well-paid contracts that the English, Aus and even Indian players have.
I am not making excuses for them, but in terms of financial gain, it is probably far more worth it for them than for players from certain other countries.
What a depressing shambles.
Another factor which probably led to the original match-fixing furore was the lack of prize money for teams competing in one-day tournaments - plus the endlessness of said tournaments. With that in mind, plus the relative primitiveness of Pakistan (with its third-world economy, war-torn infrastructure and low HDI), it is not hard to imagine why the Pakistani players might be chagrined about not receiving substantial payment for winning, especially when they have families to feed.
That being said, the fact that they decided to sell their souls and compromise cricket's integrity is an inexcusable tragedy.
XFactor1979
30 Aug 2010, 13:50
not to jump onto the issue too late, but there is something VERY suspicious about those no balls by pakistan
professional bowlers dont no ball by that much
mind you it was mohammad asif involved, he tends to like engaging himself in unsavioury activities off the field
not to jump onto the issue too late, but there is something VERY suspicious about those no balls by pakistan
lol ;)
jackster83
30 Aug 2010, 14:32
Problem is that we'll have like 4-5 competitive teams left playing.
Sadly, that already is the case.
Australia, England, India, South Africa. That's about it.
Sri Lanka are okay but are terrible away from home; NZ cricket died the day Fleming retired; Windies are awful; Pakistan are the Richmond of the cricketing world and Bangladesh don't play enough Test Cricket to become good at it.
Can we replace Pakistan with Australia A?
Blue Dimension
30 Aug 2010, 14:45
It does make you wonder about Younis Khan.
He got the sack as captain because apparently he had lost the trust of his players (eg Butt and the Akmals).
Interesting point you make here. Very interesting point.
http://worldocricket.wordpress.com/2010/08/29/true-behind-the-match-fixing-no-balls-accusation-150000/
All a conspiracy according to this guy. Dame ECB. Ha.
DamoESP
30 Aug 2010, 15:15
http://worldocricket.wordpress.com/2010/08/29/true-behind-the-match-fixing-no-balls-accusation-150000/
All a conspiracy according to this guy. Dame ECB. Ha.
While I don't agree with it, I do have to admit that the photo does look dodgy.
The Reaper
30 Aug 2010, 15:50
http://express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwi...&Date=20100830 (http://express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1101041578&Issue=NP_LHE&Date=20100830)
I laughed
swanton
30 Aug 2010, 16:01
been to a couple of pak forums and apparently the list includes
salman butt
mhd asif
mhd amir
kamran akmal
umar akmal
wahab riaz
umar amin
video has been released on riaz and amin taking money, we know about the no balls from asif and amir
i guess we will have to wait on further info of the akmals and salman butt
frankrizzo
30 Aug 2010, 16:16
I think im one of the few people who hopes amir gets banned for life.
Sure the kid is talented and exciting and 18(well Pakistani 18 anyway) but so what?
If the only guys who ever get punished seriously are those at the end of their careers then nothing will ever change, somebody with everything to lose might just have to lose everything so that when the next prodigy comes along he values the integrity of the game more than he does dodgy bookmaker money.
This is 2010 we are a decade past hansie if somebody gets involved with match fixing they know they can be banned for life and so they should be.
amir and asif... such a shame. everyone involved needs long bans, won't get rid of this otherwise.
The Reaper
30 Aug 2010, 16:54
I think im one of the few people who hopes amir gets banned for life.
Sure the kid is talented and exciting and 18(well Pakistani 18 anyway) but so what?
If the only guys who ever get punished seriously are those at the end of their careers then nothing will ever change, somebody with everything to lose might just have to lose everything so that when the next prodigy comes along he values the integrity of the game more than he does dodgy bookmaker money.
This is 2010 we are a decade past hansie if somebody gets involved with match fixing they know they can be banned for life and so they should be.
I think Aamer should get a few years but not life.
He is an 18 year old kid for a poor family so he'd be young and easily influenced. He was unlikely because the team is corrupt from the core and it looks like the corrupt players managed to get a captain like Younis Khan sacked. What chance does a young kid have in that situation?
His captain and everyone else would be just be telling him "it's only a no ball, won't have any affect on the match" and he would be convinced. From the information that is coming out is seems some of the team managers were involved, so the people who should have being looking out for him where the corrupting influence.
Given how obvious his no balls were I'm thinking that it was most likely his first time.
Does this justify what he has done? No
But should Aamer have a chance to play for his country again maybe 3-5 years down the track? Yes
Everyone gets 2-3 years to start off with. years added as we find out how bad it was by each player. I read somewhere that was the first no-ball Amir had ever bowled at FC level (which is probably wrong) so if this is the first match he's been involved in I think it's harsh to ban him forever. That said, I don't think we can take positions on the length of the bans for everyone until we get a cleaner picture.
frankrizzo
30 Aug 2010, 18:28
If he gets a chance to play again in one or two years then don't be surprised if 5-10 years down the track the next generation of young players are doing the exact same thing.
Of course it would be harsh to end his career, that's the whole point if nobody with their whole career ahead of them is made to pay the heaviest price then this will never end.
If being young and from a poor background is reason enough for a second chance then get ready for this rubbish to continue in test cricket for decades to come.
The Reaper
30 Aug 2010, 18:33
If he gets a chance to play again in one or two years then don't be surprised if 5-10 years down the track the next generation of young players are doing the exact same thing.
Of course it would be harsh to end his career, that's the whole point if nobody with their whole career ahead of them is made to pay the heaviest price then this will never end.
If being young and from a poor background is reason enough for a second chance then get ready for this rubbish to continue in test cricket for decades to come.
Aamer is the small fry in this.
I agree some heads need to roll but make those heads be the real players in the mess.
In a legal case at court, guys like Aamer would be given some leniancy.
frankrizzo
30 Aug 2010, 18:43
I guess we will just have to disagree on the severity of punishment, for my money all the people involved in this are adults and they all grew up in the post cronje era, they all know the score.
In my view there are no small players, anybody who takes any money to fix any aspect of an international cricket match should be considered a pariah and hounded out of every aspect of the game, to do less(as cricket always does) is to just invite history to repeat itself time after time(as it sadly does in cricket).
The Reaper
30 Aug 2010, 18:59
I guess we will just have to disagree on the severity of punishment, for my money all the people involved in this are adults and they all grew up in the post cronje era, they all know the score.
In my view there are no small players, anybody who takes any money to fix any aspect of an international cricket match should be considered a pariah and hounded out of every aspect of the game, to do less(as cricket always does) is to just invite history to repeat itself time after time(as it sadly does in cricket).
I can see your point.
I'm glad I'm not the person having to make the decisions as to the bans.
danielnajdek
30 Aug 2010, 19:29
Would they have a closer look at Bob Woolmers death??
Could he possibly have known what was going on and was about to blow the whistle?
I think they lost a game against Ireland and a couple of days later he was no longer with us.
Just looks really suspicious after this latest incident. Can't trust Pakistan cricket ever again. There has been that many incidents involving Pakistani players that it has to be stopped now. Ban them for 5+ years.
The Reaper
30 Aug 2010, 19:54
I've read up a bit more.
In regards to Younus Khan it was this match fixers brother who made the claims that got Khan sacked. Butt, the Akmals and the other match fixers were unhappy because Khan accused them of playing for themselves and not the team. :rolleyes:
But at least we know that there is one man with honor in Pakistan cricket.
In regards to the no balling. The bets were not on no balling. The no balling was to show the 'investers' that the players would uphold their side of the bargain.
Bombers_Forever
30 Aug 2010, 21:06
Surely it's time to boot Pakistan from international cricket for a few years.
Agree. I feel for the innocent players but really, what do you need to do to get kicked out?
Jascave
30 Aug 2010, 21:09
The International Cricket Council has two choices. It can either bury its head in the sand and claim the latest matchfixing scandal was 'media hysteria', or finally gets tough and takes strong action against those who try to tarnish the good name of cricket. Otherwise the ICC will be the laughing stock in world sport.
The Reaper
30 Aug 2010, 21:25
http://www.thenews.com.pk/30-08-2010/sports/2013.htm
“Afridi told Yawar in clear words that Azhar and Mazhar could have links to match-fixers,” said a reliable source. “He told the manager that he should make it sure that such characters are kept away from his teammates because they are trying to target players like Salman Butt.”
When Afridi is one of the more honest players in your team you know you have problems.
medhurstISGOD
30 Aug 2010, 21:26
Aamer really needs to make it look a bit less obvious next time.
Plugger35
30 Aug 2010, 21:59
Have to wonder what Pakistan's future in the game is now, every game they play from now on will be viewed with suspicion. A real shame for the honest players to be tarnished with this stuff.
Have to feel sorry for the Pakistan cricket supporters too, they are so passionate about the game and then to find out their team has been throwing games for money must be devastating.
Really makes you wonder about that test match last summer when Australia came back from the dead. So many suspicious incidents with defensive fields being set, catches dropped and batsmen recklessly throwing away their wickets. May not have been the miracle win that everyone thought it was.
The Reaper
30 Aug 2010, 22:03
Have to wonder what Pakistan's future in the game is now, every game they play from now on will be viewed with suspicion. A real shame for the honest players to be tarnished with this stuff.
Have to feel sorry for the Pakistan cricket supporters too, they are so passionate about the game and then to find out their team has been throwing games for money must be devastating.
Really makes you wonder about that test match last summer when Australia came back from the dead. So many suspicious incidents with defensive fields being set, catches dropped and batsmen recklessly throwing away their wickets. May not have been the miracle win that everyone thought it was.
according to Asif's former girlfriend that match was rigged.
It's on pakpassion
Aamer really needs to make it look a bit less obvious next time.
How about the bloke acting like his foot was slipping, and calling for the sawdust etc after the delivery....dear me.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/30-08-2010/sports/2013.htm
“Afridi told Yawar in clear words that Azhar and Mazhar could have links to match-fixers,” said a reliable source. “He told the manager that he should make it sure that such characters are kept away from his teammates because they are trying to target players like Salman Butt.”
When Afridi is one of the more honest players in your team you know you have problems.
He is practically a South Aussie mate, would have to be a legend.
Where is the bit about Ameers GF saying it was fixed mate?
The Reaper
31 Aug 2010, 02:57
Where is the bit about Ameers GF saying it was fixed mate?
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?t=104415
this is the thread on pakpassion
http://www.zemtv.net/2010/08/29/hidden-truth-about-m-asif-revealed-by-veena-malik-front-line-latest/
This is the footage but its not in English.
Ron The Bear
31 Aug 2010, 10:49
Pakistan are the Richmond of the cricketing world
More like Carlton.
There's so much cricket being played that even Test matches are no longer major events; the players are trapped in an eternal grind of being wheeled out to fulfill contracts. What's a 20-20 or one-day international here or there when they can make such eye-popping amounts to enjoy outside of work? A small jump then to throwing Tests.
Just disgusted. Cricket has lost its magic, and it's not alone among top-level sports.
buck bundy
31 Aug 2010, 12:49
Now a lawyer is filing treason charges against the team for fixing matches in England for money, a charge that carries the death penalty.
http://www.news.com.au/world/pakistani-cricketers-may-face-death-penalty/story-e6frfkyi-1225912300948
Only in Pakistan.
Jimpson
31 Aug 2010, 13:09
Now a lawyer is filing treason charges against the team for fixing matches in England for money, a charge that carries the death penalty.
http://www.news.com.au/world/pakistani-cricketers-may-face-death-penalty/story-e6frfkyi-1225912300948
Only in Pakistan.
Hmmmm. Although I'd like to see a hefty penalty, perhaps it's a step too far.
Good to see the Pakis with some effigy's of non-Aussies. I wonder if it's the same donkey the Indians used to represent Martyn after he pushed Shawad Powar off the dais.
The Reaper
31 Aug 2010, 13:47
Hmmmm. Although I'd like to see a hefty penalty, perhaps it's a step too far.
Good to see the Pakis with some effigy's of non-Aussies. I wonder if it's the same donkey the Indians used to represent Martyn after he pushed Shawad Powar off the dais.
I love the quote on the Paki forums in regards to the donkeys.
"its an insult to compare the disgrace cricketers to donkeys...donkeys are hardworking, honest creature"
who gives a
31 Aug 2010, 16:29
India would throw a powerplay tantrum to keep them in.
as far as i am concerned the indians, zimbabawe and the paki's should be kicked out of cricket. these are the same lot who did not want howard as the new president. i have no time for either of these countries when it comes to cricket and will not watch them at all.bloody disgrace by the paki's but no doubut will be backed by the indians and zimbabawe:thumbsd:
bluechampion
31 Aug 2010, 16:33
Honestly, the only cricket you can sit back and enjoy as a pure contest between two sides without money or suspicion coloring the contest is Australian Domestic Cricket.
The Reaper
31 Aug 2010, 16:36
as far as i am concerned the indians, zimbabawe and the paki's should be kicked out of cricket. these are the same lot who did not want howard as the new president. i have no time for either of these countries when it comes to cricket and will not watch them at all.bloody disgrace by the paki's but no doubut will be backed by the indians and zimbabawe:thumbsd:
Even Sunil has called for the Pakistanis to get life bans
http://worldocricket.wordpress.com/2010/08/29/true-behind-the-match-fixing-no-balls-accusation-150000/
All a conspiracy according to this guy. Dame ECB. Ha.
That photo is VERY dodgy.
Jimpson
31 Aug 2010, 19:51
I agree, that photo does look suss but I can't see any reason to doctor it: it's harly damning evidence to have a photo taken with a cricketer and his manager.
OzBomber
31 Aug 2010, 21:20
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/pakistan-players-accused-of-treason/story-e6frfg8o-1225912333788
A PAKISTANI lawyer today filed treason charges against several national cricket team players facing an investigation into claims they fixed matches for money in England - a charge with carries the death penalty.
Woah. Shit just got real.
Doodlesweaver
31 Aug 2010, 21:30
Honestly, the only cricket you can sit back and enjoy as a pure contest between two sides without money or suspicion coloring the contest is Australian Domestic Cricket.
U sure 'bout dat? :p
Fingers were pointed at Brad Hodge last year in the IPL and he plays Aus state cricket.
This is getting more murky by the minute. You suspect any Pakistan squad of having at least 2 camps in it, usually over what captain is in charge, but sounds like there may be cliques over fixing as well. I wonder if any of the players are clean.
Ball-biting sounds a bit boy-scout compared to the spot-betting and fixing.
XFactor1979
31 Aug 2010, 21:32
there was a poll on the smh website asking people on whether or not the sydney test match was fixed this year
92% of people answered 'yes'
my bet is that poll was fixed
Doodlesweaver
31 Aug 2010, 21:49
there was a poll on the smh website asking people on whether or not the sydney test match was fixed this year
92% of people answered 'yes'
my bet is that poll was fixed
:D Nice
Wait, so a newspaper in England payed Pakistan players to bowl no balls? Am I correct?
The Reaper
31 Aug 2010, 23:28
Wait, so a newspaper in England payed Pakistan players to bowl no balls? Am I correct?
No
The newspaper contacted a third party (the players agent) and paid him in cash in order to fix games. The cash was paid prehand for the future. To prove that he was accepting the cash in 'good faith', he organised that the players bowl no balls at the elected time to demonstrate that the players listen to him.
The Reaper
31 Aug 2010, 23:29
U sure 'bout dat? :p
Fingers were pointed at Brad Hodge last year in the IPL and he plays Aus state cricket.
This is getting more murky by the minute. You suspect any Pakistan squad of having at least 2 camps in it, usually over what captain is in charge, but sounds like there may be cliques over fixing as well. I wonder if any of the players are clean.
Ball-biting sounds a bit boy-scout compared to the spot-betting and fixing.
Younis Khan is the only player in Pakistani cricket that has come out with any dignity remaning