Time to call 'over'

The three Pakistan Cricketers involved in the match fixing scandal, which has over-shadow not only cricket but also the wider world of sport, has been brought to a close today. But the unanswerable question is - is it still rife in cricket? The answer surely lies with the ICC and their anti-corruption unit. However, all the signs point to yes it is still prevalent and not a one of problem. The ICC anti corruption chief, Sir Ronnie Flannagan, said it ‘was not rampant’ within the game and that he thinks ‘it is engaged in by a tiny number of people.’.

This seems to be at odds with the consensus amongst the crickets elite. Steve Waugh stated there had been 56 approaches reported to the ICC over the past year, whilst former England wicket Keeper Paul Nixon said he had been approached presumably after 2007 when he stated that he had never been contacted with regards to providing information or sport fixing.

Today’s verdict has to be a positive in stamping out corruption. Players now know that you not only face a ban but you will be prosecuted if you par-take in this illegal activity.

You will go to jail if you get caught.

A strong message in itself but this also includes a ban of a minimum 5 years for each of the players involved – Asif and Butt’s careers are over. They will never again play for their country – they have squandered their talent and the best years of their life. No longer will they be able to tell their children of the day they made their international debut or taking their first wicket. This pleasure has gone for them.

Butt, Asif and Amir must also serve as a personal deterrent; their anguish was clear to see in their faces and they have grovelled to be allowed to walk free - to live life with their families. Butt in particular, who’s wife gave birth yesterday, is a sad example of this. He know will miss the first 2 and half years of his Childs life, he will remain on licence in the UK following the first 15 months custodial sentence. Visits will be few and far between from family as they struggle to maintain a lifestyle bought with bung money who all live in Pakistan. The next tempted cricketer must be reminded of this shame, the loss of liberty and the loss of a cricket career when they are approached to change a game for money.

The ICC, now as before, has a duty to back up this stand, take this by the horns and ensure spot-fixing and corruption are stamped out – question all rumours of involvement and charge where evidence allows. They must ensure that this will become an isolated incident that proved the watershed for Cricket. In every region, at every level.