India-Forums.TV

[aryan]

JOHANNESBURG: The recent spot-fixing scandal involving some of the Pakistan players will not affect their forthcoming series against South Africa in October-November, hopes CSA chief executive Gerald Majola.

"As far as the Cricket South Africa is concerned this is an ICC arrangement and the ICC has not cancelled the tour," said Majola.

CSA has even agreed with the Pakistan Cricket Board to play an extra game, scheduled to take place before the first Twenty20 in Abu Dhabi, to raise funds for the victims of the devastating floods in Pakistan.

Pakistan will also play two Tests and five ODIs. The series, commencing on October 25, will be held in the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns in Pakistan.

Tony Irish, Chief Executive of South African Cricketers Association (SACA), hoped that the authorities will deal with any wrongdoing swiftly.

"We do not want to be in a position where there is a cloud hanging over any player in the South Africa-Pakistan series," Irish told The Star newspaper.

Irish said the latest incident further highlighted the need for firm administrative regulation of cricket.

"If you look at countries like England, New Zealand and Australia where there is strong regulation, there are proper contracts and payments to players are handled properly. When you have a deregulated situation that is when dangers arise," Irish said.

Irish also said that the union ran programmes to educate players on issues such as anti-doping, commercial contracts and how to deal with situations if they be approached by the bookmakers.

"Sometimes things can seem so innocuous, like a guy wanting to give you a pair of sunglasses or asking you about pitch conditions, but that's how it starts and then they've got you after that," he said.

Referring to a memorandum of understanding that was signed last week between CSA and SACA, Irish said this would ensure that the players would be earning more than in the previous season, reducing the temptation to get involved in irregularities.

A spot-fixing scandal recently rocked international cricket following a sting operation by a British tabloid which claimed that deliberate no-balls were bowled by Pakistani bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir during the fourth Test against England at Lord's.

Scotland Yard detectives had also visited the Pakistan dressing room after the third day's play to question some players, including captain Salman Butt.

[johnmark1]

This is big scandal and problem creating matter for Pakistan cricket team. After all find the Scotland yard that there is no guilty. Some people want to bane Pakistan cricket from international Matches but they failed.