The whole cricketing world is ceased with a new match-fixing scandal which took place in London during the 4th test match between England and Pakistan apparently machinated by the English betting and match-fixing mafia. The scandal was reported by the sensational tabloid News of the World that specializes in such things. The news paper should disclose the identities and backgrounds of the reporters and other members of the team who produced a well choreographed movie and sensational report. If the NOTW team had any Indian or extremist Christian connections then that is a different story.
The sequence of events is that on the first day within an hour the English team slumped to 40 odd runs for 5 wickets. The betting odds went heavily against the English team.(Could it be that the English batsmen intentionally threw away their wickets to create the betting pattern? A patriotic English newspaper would obviously not raise that issue.) Even as the slump was going on two Pakistani bowlers overstepped and no-balled once each allegedly on instructions of a match fixer and all the Pakistani bowlers lost their rhythm. This resulted in two English tail enders making a world record partnership. The Pakistani batting collapsed in the subsequent two innings and lost pitiably. Those who had made bets on England at the high odds when the English team was slumping made a fortune. It should not be difficult to trace out the beneficiaries. It is obvious that NOTW held back on the rest of the deal between them and the crook Mazhar Majeed. Did anybody from NOTW make a fortune from the match?
If the match was fixed for betting purposes then it seems that at least 22 players were involved and the ICC enquiry should treat all of them equally and investigate all of them.
No cricket match ever played in Pakistan has been suspected of match-fixing. This abomination only takes place in countries like Australia, England, India and South Africa where social and economic conditions encourage it. It is a pity that the UK Border agency and the ICC failed to warn the inexperienced Pakistani players of the dangers of coming in contact with match-fixers who abound in that country.
If this is how cricket is played these days then I am glad that I have not touched a cricket bat in years.
