If cricket fans lose their trust in players who would watch the game then?

Published>Tue, Aug 31 10 05:47 AM

Ahead of the 2011 World Cup, the controversy surrounding the alleged match-fixing by Pakistani players, has become the focal point of the cricketing world. With names like Mohammed Amir and Mohammed Asif under the scanner, the issue threatens to gain gigantic proportions. Newsline gauges the mood on the issue.

Desh Prem Azad-Cricket coach and Dronacharya awardee"The match-fixing revelations have brought disgrace to the sport. The saving grace is that no Indian player is involved in the racket. I strongly support the idea of punishing the guilty players. An exemplary punishment should be announced for the guilty players. Such acts bring a bad name to the game and raise questions on the integrity of players. There was no recorded proof earlier, but now the Scotland Yard has proper footage to expose the players and their bad deeds. They should be taught a lesson."

Ravinder Chadha ? Former Indian cricket team physiotherapist"It is shameful that such allegations have come to the fore. It is high time that the Pakistan Cricket Board takes stern action against such cricketers. In India when certain players were found to be involved in match-fixing, they were handed life bans. The PCB should take some cue from the BCCI. The cricketers are highly paid today. There is no question of them resorting to such cheap methods."

Deepinder Singh Chabra ? Secretary, Leaders in Cricket Club"It is pathetic that Pakistani cricketers have been indulging in match-fixing since the days of Salim Malik in the 90's. And PCB has not been able to put a full stop to the malpractice. How could Salman Butt, who was made captain just recently, even think of doing such a thing? He should be sacked immediately. It is hurting for fans to see their heroes do such things."

Col. Arvinder Singh ? Head of cricket operations, Kings XI Punjab"Match-fixing is a curse which has been haunting the game for over 15 years now. In the time when cricket is commercially growing as a sport globally, such revelations can damage the game's reputation. If cricket fans lose their trust in players then who would watch the game? The Pakistani fans must feel cheated. Strict action should be taken by the PCB."

Harpreet Kaur ? Medium pace bowler, Chandigarh team"I used to admire Mohammed Amir for his bowling skills. I am taken aback by his involvement in the match-fixing scandal. I will no more like Amir. I am hurt as a fan and a cricketer. The cricketers should realise that they are idols and role models for aspiring players. It's like selling your country."

Harish Sharma, cricket coach and Himachal Ranji Trophy player"I strongly advocate that such ill-doings should be nipped in the bud. It is very dangerous for the game and its popularity. It is surprising they were not caught earlier. They deserve a life ban so that a correct message is given out to fellow cricketers and teammates."

Source: Web Search