Match Fixing

Money is the root of all evil. Hypocrisy looms large in all discussions and reports in the media. Many of the reports do not appear to be made with convictions and are not full throated. Some of the past cricketers are rather mild in their suggestions of punishments to be meted out to the tainted cricketers if proven guilty. It makes one wonder whether few of them are involved in betting and/or match fixing earlier, during their playing days.


After the initial emotional reactions, just like their government, PCB has come out with the ridiculous ‘conspiracy theory’. Even Yassir Hameed who made a sensational revelation, has back tracked and denied having made any such statement.

There is a sense of complacency on this side of the border. Mr.Pawar has hastily denied any Indian link to the whole episode. When it comes to mega bucks it is only natural to expect many nations to be involved, especially those holding high offices. People have not yet forgotten Md.Azharuddin. Reports of match fixing in IPL matches are doing the rounds. IPL matches are not taken seriously, as they are construed as part of a circus and carnival.

Many have suggested life ban as a possible exemplary punishment. Concerned people have already made mega bucks. Even if banned for life, they have nothing to lose. Life ban can hardly be a deterrent. Future cricketers will make big money quickly at the cost of the gullibility of the betters and exit from the scene. They may even be made MLAs/MPs as long as it suits the political parties. Remember Azharuddin.

There is nothing sporting about cricket or any other game. When such episodes are exposed, standard statements like nobody is bigger than the game will be issued. This everyone understands is a lip service.

A Pakistani lawyer has proposed punishment consistent with treason. Taking /giving interest on investments itself are considered un-Islamic. Betting should only be considered as a worse sin. Players such as Saeed Anwar with high religious sentiments should offer their opinion in this regard. In the holy month of Ramadan, it is strange that lies and cover-ups are floating around. I wonder what the Moslem clergy has to say about this.

Ball tampering should also be remembered at this juncture, as it is an important ingredient for match fixing. Shahid Afridi can throw some light on this. Majeed confirmed having supplied Vaseline to Pak bowlers, through handshake. Effective use of Vaseline can be learnt from Peter Lever.

In ancient India, princes used to indulge in minor gambling as a pastime. The epic story of Mahabharat supports this. Poor Yudhishthir did not know while gambling with Duryodhan, that the game was already fixed by Shakuni mama, in favour of Duryodhan. This was achieved by making the rolling dice(pagade), out of bones. The motive may have been different, yet, it was tampering and fixing.

There was lot of planning which went into it. Therefore it may be safely concluded that even if the modern day menace is stopped, it will come back again. It will only be temporary suspension.

In order to stop this permanently, actions have to be more severe than life ban.

RTE & Bethany School: A Critque of TV Media Report

The previous week, the so called Indian national media have been dishing out a lot of crap on the circular issued  by Bethany School. In my opinion, Mr. Arnabh Goswami of Times Now sounded very hypocritical. It is silly to presume that all people are interested in putting their children in an environment where there will not be much scope for the children to mingle with those of other classes. I wonder where Mr. Goswami's children or nephews or whoever concerned are studying - I presume it will be some school with a 'social status'. If Mr. Goswami wants he can enroll his children in Anganwadi/Balwadi Schools so that other children are benefited by their presence. 

Late Prime Minister Ms. Indira Gandhi admitted her son Rajiv Gandhi who later became Prime Minister himself, in Doon School.

How seriously public schools like Doon School and Montford take the RTE into effect and admit children from lower strata is something that I would very much like to see.

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