More players may be named in spot-fixing scandal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency’s initial probe into the spot fixing scandal shows that the situation is really “pathetic” and far more serious than what is already known to public.

“The situation is really worrisome,” a credible FIA source said, adding that initial probe has clearly indicated that the curse of spot fixing and betting is not restricted to only four players already named.

The official source sounded really depressed to discuss how seriously the game of cricket in Pakistan has been plagued. “Definitely there are more players who are involved,” the source said, adding that it would be unfair to prematurely name them.

“I can only tell you that the situation is really pathetic,” the source told this correspondent when probed. “Had those identified in the past been punished and made example for others, we would not have been facing this situation,” the source said. He added that the past policy of pushing the dirt under the rug has really hurt the Pakistan cricket.

Of late the FIA is assigned by the interior minister  Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to probe the latest scandal of spot fixing and uncover all those faces who have been involved in such shameful dealings.

So far five cricketers including Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Lateef, Muhammad Irfan, Shahzaib Hasan and Nasir Jamshed have been identified by the Pakistan Cricket Board itself for their alleged role in spot fixing and betting. Some of them were reportedly caught red-handed while meeting a bookie in a Dubai hotel during the last PSL.

On Monday, these cricketers have been barred by the interior ministry from leaving the country in order to complete the probe, which is feared to surprise many with new names. According to media reports the decision to place names on the Exit Control List (ECL) was taken during a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and attended by the officials of PTA, FIA, and Nadra.

Independent observers believe that such is the influence and connection of cricket’s betting mafia that the government as well as the FIA may be approached and pressurized to stop the probe. 

It is said that the Pakistan Cricket Board may also feel awkward with this FIA probe. However, interior minister Chaudhry Nisar is seen as the only man who could ensure a fair probe badly required to uproot this menace of corruption in Pakistan cricket by unmasking all those who have been selling their soul as well as the country’s name for money.