NEW DELHI: The 2010 Pakistan spot-fixing scandal was probably the most notorious episodes in cricket historical past, deeply shaking the game’s integrity.
It occurred throughout Pakistan’s tour of England, particularly through the fourth Take a look at match at Lord’s.
The scandal revolved round allegations that a number of Pakistani gamers conspired to intentionally bowl no-balls at particular moments in alternate for cash.
These no-balls weren’t unintended errors however have been a part of a pre-arranged betting repair orchestrated by a bookmaker.
The important thing gamers concerned have been Pakistan’s then-captain Salman Butt, quick bowler Mohammad Asif, and the younger prodigious pacer Mohammad Amir.
The gamers have been uncovered in an undercover sting operation by the Information of the World, a British tabloid.
The tabloid’s investigative reporters had posed as members of a betting syndicate and recorded Mazhar Majeed, a sports activities agent with ties to the gamers, discussing the small print of how and when the no-balls could be delivered.
The footage offered incontrovertible proof of the repair.
Within the fourth Take a look at, Amir and Asif bowled deliberate no-balls on the precise moments Majeed had predicted.
Amir, the youngest of the trio, delivered probably the most obvious no-balls, overstepping by a big margin, elevating eyebrows instantly.
The sting operation revealed that these particular deliveries have been a part of the deal organized with Majeed for important sums of cash.
When the scandal broke, the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) shortly suspended the three gamers whereas investigations ensued.
Public response in Pakistan and worldwide was swift and harsh.
Many followers and former gamers expressed their deep disappointment, because the scandal tarnished Pakistan’s cricketing status. The betrayal was felt much more strongly as a result of Mohammad Amir was considered certainly one of cricket’s brightest younger skills, with a promising future forward of him.
In November 2011, after a high-profile trial in London, all three gamers have been discovered responsible of corruption and conspiracy to just accept unlawful funds.
Salman Butt acquired a 30-month jail sentence, Mohammad Asif was jailed for a yr, and Mohammad Amir, as a result of his age and early confession, was sentenced to 6 months.
Majeed was additionally jailed for his position because the intermediary.
The scandal led to widespread condemnation and reforms in cricket, notably within the combat towards corruption.
The gamers confronted lengthy bans from worldwide cricket, with Amir ultimately making a comeback in 2015 after serving his suspension. Regardless of his return, the 2010 scandal left a everlasting scar on Pakistan cricket.
