PSL match-fixing saga: Where does the buck stop?

There was much to look forward to with regard to the second edition of the Pakistan Super League. In the words of PSL Chairman Najam Sethi, the league had brought smiles on the faces of millions of people in Pakistan. For a cricket-crazed nation that has been deprived of home cricket for several years, the PSL was a symbol of hope, patriotism, joy and pride for us all. And then, once again, Pakistani cricket was mired with another match-fixing scandal that threatens to set everything back to square one again.

Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, Islamabad United’s attacking batsmen, were suspended and sent home on suspicion of being involved in match-fixing. It is alleged that the two had met with a bookie in their hotel room and were involved in bringing the game into disrepute one way or the other. PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan claims that evidence was found implicating the two cricketers but refused to divulge into further details until a complete investigation did not conclude its findings. Najam Sethi voiced fears that the latest scandal involving the two cricketers may be ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ as other big names could also be involved in the saga.

One cannot help but wonder why do Pakistani cricketers fall prey to such shameful practices time and again? Hardly had cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan heaved a sigh of relief at the return of Mohammad Amir, after a pinching six-year ban from international cricket, when another scandal emerged. Who, then, must bear the brunt of such incidences and where does the buck stop, every time the whole nation is left red-faced when a match-fixing scandal glares Pakistani cricket in the face?

First and foremost, the cricketers who are involved in bringing the game into disrepute and shaming the nation owing to their greed are the main culprits. That is the reality and one must not mince words in stating that reality. These players, who hail from extremely humble and modest backgrounds, are offered lucrative contracts that end up in the millions annually as well as other facilities. Still they opt for the illegal route, knowing full well the possibility of getting caught in a match-fixing scandal could possibly end their careers. But is that all? Does the buck stop here or are others at fault too?

In my opinion, the team management as well as PCB is also responsible for the conduct of these players when they take part in such events. Strict discipline with regard to who the players meet, at what hours and where, should be scrutinized by the team management. Remember; these players are ambassadors of Pakistan and their actions have a lasting impact on the whole nation. If the team management cannot enforce discipline in the form of curfews and strict regulations, what good are they for then?

Once again, Pakistani cricket has been hit hard with a match-fixing scandal. Times have certainly changed and players as well as officials from around the world are calling upon ICC to deal in a strict manner and hand heavy punishments (mostly life bans) to those involved in match-fixing. One can only help and pray that Najam Sethi’s suspicion that Sharjeel and Khalid’s involvement in the scandal was ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ proves to be false. Otherwise, Pakistan cricket may end up losing some big names for life and maybe this time around, we may not climb our way back from the abyss again.