What a bunch of twits (and no, that’s not Twitter talk). I’m talking about the former Pakistan players who have come out and accused past and present Australian players of engaging in fixing of cricket matches.
These allegations are so far-fetched and ludicrous it’s laughable, yet they have essentially been endorsed by the game’s governing body, the ICC.
Two days ago we switched on the morning news to discover that the ICC had launched an official investigation into the opening partnership of Shane Watson and Brad Haddin in Australia’s opening round World Cup clash against Zimbabwe.
The investigation, we learnt, was triggered by the fact the first two overs of Watson and Haddin’s opening stand yielded just five runs…”That’s it?” I hear you say. Yes, really, that’s it.
The whole basis of this official “investigation” stems from the fact that just five runs were hit in the first two overs – an event as likely in a game of cricket as finding a tin of Heinz Baked Beans and a bottle of diaretics in Shane Warne’s pantry. If the claims weren’t so laughable it would be causing a total outrage.
And speaking of Warney, wait, it gets worse. News Limited have since published an article, in which former Pakistan players are urging the ICC to investigate Shane Warne after he “predicted” a tie in the recently played England-India match at the World Cup.
That’s right, Warne deviously “tweeted” his prediction that the game would finish in a tie.
Despite the fact the comment was made with tongue planted firmly in cheek, it has been picked up on by some former Pakistani players and, in a clear sign that between them they have the collective IQ of Warney’s texting thumb, presented as grounds for another official ICC investigation.
What’s worse, is that the allegations have been “substantiated” by former Pakistan wicket-keeper and shamed match-fixing cheat, Rashid Latif – a guy with the integrity of a used-car saleman. Pot calling the kettle?
With baited breath we await the next startling revelation from this brave band of whistleblowers. Next they will be claiming that Hanse Cronje has come back from the grave and is the conspirator behind it all.
Or maybe John Elias was involved?
Stinks of a smokescreen doesn’t it.
Question is, what are these former Pakistan players and the games governing body trying to hide? Are they simply trying deflect the real issues such as the troubled state of Pakistan cricket and the political forces corroding it, or maybe they are simply trying to generate publicity for what has so far been a dour and lacklustre World Cup…
I don’t think even Warney can predict what these goons are going to come up with next.
Bayman
Guest
apaway, Actually, it was 500/1 but nobody in their right mind actually thought Lillee and Marsh had not tried their best, Besides, the outlay was about ten quid. If the fix was on I reckon they may have put a little bit more on than they did.
Lolly
Guest
It's pretty funny to think that Warne could be engaged in 'fixing' such a delicate thing as a draw like that. It would mean both skippers involvement as well as lord knows who else. Hang on a minute! Is THAT why their captaincy was so shyte? They might be on to something there.
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
Brett, this is Peyton Place nonsense. Lillee and Marsh placed a bet they never expected to win. It was also in broad daylight and legal. To apaway you have the IOC mixed up with the ICC and as for chastising the Pakistani players they have past and recent form. Three of their players have been banned for 10 years. All the other posters have a think about what you post and by all means have an opinion. But please ,one based on fact and not an unsubstantiated and unnamed source. The ICC is NOT investigating the Australian team. Neither is it investigating the England team. All this speculation is malicious and serves no purpose.
Brett McKay
Guest
Kiwi, it was most disappointing yesterday even on The Roar to see talk of Ireland's remarkable win directed not about the outstanding performance, but the wild speculation that England might have thrown the game. Is this where we've got to, that individual brilliance can't be recognised for what it is, or at least BEFORE questioning the loser's integrity??
MyLeftFoot
Guest
Wasn't it 28 runs in the first 10 overs, versus Zimbabwe. I recall at the time that it looked like a pretty pathetic run rate. It's certainly worth having a look at.
apaway
Guest
Sometimes it seems we get a little sensitive when a finger is pointed in our direction. Let the IOC investigate the slow run rate, but don't chastise Pakistani players for speaking up about it. If we think it's just a smokescreen, let's not forget that two of our greatest ever cricketers, Rodney Marsh and Dennis Lillee bet AGAINST an Australian team they were playing in during the 1981 Ashes series, at odds of 100/1 and England came back from being forced to follow on to win the Test match in question.
Ken
Guest
If your 1st and 2nd lines hadn't been so serious, I would have assumed the 3rd was a joke. Seriously, if Warnie was involved in fixing a tie in the England-India match would he have tweeted that result before the game? Not to mention that fixing a tie in the first place would be possibly the hardest fix imaginable on a cricket field, requiring a large portion of the players to be 'in' on it. There's much, much simpler, and less eye-catching, ways to go about these things, that only require 1 or 2 players.
anopinion
Guest
Myopic much?
Luke
Guest
The ICC should investigate EVERY lead regarding match fixing. Corruption in cricket has impacted EVERY country. Investigate Warne now.