Match Fixing in Cricket: Allegations, Reality, and the Cricketers Involved
The term match fixing has haunted the gentleman’s game for decades. From high-profile international fixtures to domestic leagues, match fixing has not only tarnished cricket’s integrity but also led to severe consequences for the players involved. In this article, we delve into some of the most notorious cases of fixing, the players caught in the web, and how the sport has responded to such scandals.
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Understanding Match Fixing in Cricket
Match fixing involves manipulating the outcome or key events of a cricket match for illegal betting or personal gain. It can include fixing the result, spot-fixing (fixing specific events within a match), or pitch tampering. These activities are often backed by illegal betting syndicates and organized crime, making fixing a global menace.
Notorious Match Fixing Scandals in Cricket History
Here are some of the most infamous incidents where cricketers were caught or accused of match fixing:
1. Hansie Cronje (South Africa)
In 2000, South African captain Hansie Cronje shocked the world when he admitted to being involved in fixing. Cronje had accepted money from bookmakers to influence match outcomes. His confession led to a life ban from cricket and remains one of the darkest moments in cricket history.
2. Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif, and Salman Butt (Pakistan)
In 2010, during a Test match against England at Lord’s, three Pakistani players – Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif, and then-captain Salman Butt – were caught in a fixing scandal involving spot-fixing. They were later jailed in the UK and banned by the ICC.
3. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan (India)
The 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) season was marred by a match fixing controversy when these three Rajasthan Royals players were arrested for spot-fixing. Although Sreesanth and Chavan were later acquitted by the courts, the BCCI imposed bans that damaged their careers.
4. Marlon Samuels (West Indies)
In 2007, West Indian cricketer Marlon Samuels was found guilty of sharing team information with a bookmaker. Though not directly involved in match fixing, his actions contributed to betting-related corruption, leading to a two-year ban.
5. Danish Kaneria (Pakistan)
Danish Kaneria, the leg-spinner from Pakistan, was handed a life ban by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2012 for his involvement in spot-fixing during county matches. The fixing allegations led to his downfall despite his long international career.
6. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
While not directly punished for match fixing, Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was banned for two years (one year suspended) in 2019 for failing to report multiple corrupt approaches by bookies. This was a major blow to Bangladesh cricket, and it showed how close fixing can get to even the top players.
7. Lou Vincent (New Zealand)
Former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent admitted to match fixing in various domestic and international leagues, including the Champions League T20. He received a lifetime ban in 2014 after confessing to over a dozen corruption-related offenses.
8. Nuwan Zoysa and Dilhara Lokuhettige (Sri Lanka)
These two Sri Lankan cricketers were charged and banned by the ICC for their role in match fixing attempts in T10 leagues. Zoysa was handed a six-year ban for his involvement in fixing and failing to report corrupt approaches.
9. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Although not directly caught in match fixing, former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya was sanctioned for failing to cooperate with anti-corruption investigators. His actions raised eyebrows during ongoing match-fixing probes within Sri Lankan cricket.
10. Sharjeel Khan (Pakistan)
In 2017, Sharjeel Khan was banned for five years (two and a half suspended) for spot-fixing during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He became yet another name in Pakistan’s long list of fixing controversies.
Impact of Match Fixing on Cricket’s Image
Loss of fan trust: Repeated fixing incidents have eroded the trust of millions of cricket fans globally.
Damage to player reputations: Once a player is accused of fixing, their career and legacy are often beyond repair.
Crackdown by governing bodies: The ICC, BCCI, and other cricket boards have implemented stringent anti-corruption protocols to detect and deter fixing.
Rise in anti-corruption education: Young cricketers are now regularly educated about the risks and signs of fixing.
Match Fixing Allegations That Stirred Controversy but Weren’t Proven
MS Dhoni (India): During the 2013 IPL scandal, there were speculative rumors and court cases that mentioned Dhoni, but no direct evidence of fixing was ever found, and he was cleared of all suspicion.
Virender Sehwag and other Indian players were once mentioned in sting operations and media claims, but investigations revealed no solid evidence of involvement in fixing.
Steps Taken to Curb Match Fixing
To protect the sport from the scourge of fixing, cricket authorities have taken several preventive measures:
Anti-Corruption Units (ACU) have been established by the ICC and national boards.
Cricketers are monitored and trained to report suspicious approaches.
Technology and surveillance during matches have improved significantly.
Laws have been tightened in countries like India to criminalize sports betting and fixing.
Conclusion: Can Cricket Ever Be Free from Fixing?
While cricket has made significant strides in tackling fixing, the threat still looms, especially in leagues and lower-tier matches where surveillance is limited. Maintaining the spirit of the game requires constant vigilance, strong governance, and ethical commitment from everyone involved — from players and coaches to fans and officials.
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