match fixing: is it for real?

Yet another allegation of match fixing. And at stake is arguably the most potent new ball pair in the world. While there is no doubt about the fact that this issue raises serious questions about the integrity of the cricketers, I feel they ought to be given another chance. What’s the big deal about bowling a few no-balls in a match in which the result was a foregone conclusion? It’s not as if bowling these no balls contributed to Pakistan’s loss. And the baseless allegations about Pakistan having tanked the Sydney test and other such matches reek of sensationalism. Pakistan was beaten fair and square at Sydney and I still believe no cricketer could ever take money for throwing a match. Particularly so in the sub-continent, where the cricketers would very well know how much a victory or defeat means to the viewers. And why would they risk their careers for a little money, when they know that doing well would open up enormous avenues for money-making for them? None of the fixing allegations, except the admission from Hansie Cronje, have been proven till date. They have destroyed promising cricketing careers, though. Rashid Latif, for instance, was one of the best wicket-keepers of our time before he was banned without any substantial proof. Yes, it is very much a possibility that cricketers would be taking money for bowling the odd no ball, but with the nature of the game, it doesn’t actually seem possible for any cricketer to tank a match when he is only one member of the playing eleven. And allegations about dropping catches also seem absurd. The fielders usually get a split second to react when the ball comes their way. Is it possible for them to botch it up intentionally, while making it seem a genuine attempt, within a matter of seconds? From the cricketers’ perspective, this would be just a harmless way of making some extra money, which, though a despicable move, still doesn’t warrant a crucifixion. For that matter, even Randiv bowled a deliberate no-ball.