Spot Fixing?

[DeltaAlpha]

Yes, Aidan, if this story is true, then I fear something very sinister is going on. And who knows what the boundaries of that may be?

[Red Devil]

It would be pretty monumental if ther was still stuff going on at this point!

You have to start to question whether the series should continue if there is genuine evidence of this

[SaintPowelly]

I find it hard to take this story seriously. Surely nobody would be so stupid as to continue with dubious practices while they were actually being investigated for other somewhat similar ones?

or its the 'perfect' time because people have the view that nobody would be stupid to fix now.

I find it hard to see a way for Pakistan to compete anymore, EVERY aspect of their game will be scrutinised. A dropped catch or mis-field wont be viewed as human error, it'll be a 'conspiracy' and the game can't be played like that.

[Borges]

There is loud and clear talk in the bookies circle that some English players were paid enormous amounts of money to lose the match. No wonder there was total collapse of the English side. - Ijaz Butt, cheif of PCB quoted in http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/se ... d-pakistan

This series has by now become completely ludicrous, the best thing for cricket now would be to put a stop to it. But wait:

England skipper Andrew Strauss insists the one-day international series against Pakistan should carry on despite calls for its abandonment - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket ... 013689.stm

Broadcasters having the final say on how international cricket must be run is as damaging to the game as spot-fixing itself.

[Aidan11]

Ijaz Butt should retire from his cricketing duties and become a stand up comedian. Bookies would be throwing money away if they tried to pay our batting order to collapse.

seriously though, this sounds like the ramblings of someone who has completely lost the plot. Also he appears to be confusing spot fixing with match fixing.

[yorker_129-7]

Of course the England batting was in no way being out-foxed by some high-quality bowling by a Pakistan fast bowler which lead to the collapse. No way. Not them. Must all be a scam.

The Pakistani delegation are just showing themselves up by trying to pass the buck. Sorry mate, but the evidence so far (assuming it's genuine) has you bang to rights.

[Alviro Patterson]

This is getting more ridiculous, the PCB are accusing of England of fixing the last ODI

http://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakis ... 77814.html

"This is not a conspiracy to defraud bookies but a conspiracy to defraud Pakistan and Pakistan cricket," Butt said. "We have taken it in hand to start our own investigations. We will shortly reveal the names of the people, the parties and the bodies involved in this sinister conspiracy and we also reserve the right to sue them for damages.

"There is loud and clear talk in bookie circles that some English players have taken enormous amounts of money to lose the match [the third ODI]. No wonder there was such a collapse."

[captaincolly]

This is getting more ridiculous, the PCB are accusing of England of fixing the last ODI

http://www.cricinfo.com/england-v-pakis ... 77814.html

"This is not a conspiracy to defraud bookies but a conspiracy to defraud Pakistan and Pakistan cricket," Butt said. "We have taken it in hand to start our own investigations. We will shortly reveal the names of the people, the parties and the bodies involved in this sinister conspiracy and we also reserve the right to sue them for damages.

"There is loud and clear talk in bookie circles that some English players have taken enormous amounts of money to lose the match [the third ODI]. No wonder there was such a collapse."

Ludicrous comments, wonder what the odds are of Butt providing details of this dastardly conspiracy. How can the last 2 ODI's go ahead after these accusations.

[SaintPowelly]

How can the last 2 ODI's go ahead after these accusations.

Easily. the ECB make too much money for them to be cancelled

[Alviro Patterson]

I reckon the 2nd ODI was fixed, possibly on Pakistan not to score over 300 runs in their innings. Given that Anderson and Swanny avoided such a hiding, it's a surprise Pakistan went from 211-3 off 38.5 overs to 294-8 in 50 overs, especially when a powerplay is to be taken and on the flattest track prepared at Headingley in ages.

[SaintPowelly]

I reckon the 2nd ODI was fixed, possibly on Pakistan not to score over 300 runs in their innings. Given that Anderson and Swanny avoided such a hiding, it's a surprise Pakistan went from 211-3 off 38.5 overs to 294-8 in 50 overs, especially when a powerplay is to be taken and on the flattest track prepared at Headingley in ages.

that proves my earlier point

I find it hard to see a way for Pakistan to compete anymore, EVERY aspect of their game will be scrutinised. A dropped catch or mis-field wont be viewed as human error, it'll be a 'conspiracy' and the game can't be played like that.

If SA had of crumbled like Pakistan did in the 2nd ODI - no-one would think 'match-fixing' everyone would just assume - poor batting or good bowling, and move on with the rest of their day.

There is and always will be a dark cloud over Pakistan.

[sussexpob]

Anyone seen that episode of South Park where all the kids baseball teams purposefully play to lose so they can get knocked out and enjoy their summer more? Its like stone/parker could see into cricketing future....

This is getting beyond a joke, and personally I dont give a damn if the current series continues, because just like the last games I wont be watching anyway.

It clear by Butts wording he is trying to demonstrate the fact that allegations against Pakistan are lept on, while allegations against England are not, which in a way is probably true.... but its the old no smoke/no fire things isnt it.

If you ask me its the move of a man who is desperately trying to spin a situation he knows is going to end in disaster point.... Butt clearly thinks he has nothing to lose so why the hell not.

In interests of fairness the allegations should be investigated, and if unmerited a extremely harsh punishment mitigated on those responsible.... but there must be a thorough investigation.

Anyone starting to feel sorry for a certain Mr Hair? It was a similar attempt that effectively ended his career!

[yorker_129-7]

The Pakistan claims would have some weight...if there wasn't a video showing exactly when the no-balls in the Lord's test would be bowled. Until Pakistan can produce such (potentially) damning evidence against any England player then I'm afraid they just come over as pathetic.

I bet the ECB are delighted they tried to help Pakistan cricket out with the neutral series against Australia. Nothing like complimenting your host by having a massive cr*p on their doorstep.

[Alviro Patterson]

Pakistan have announced a new shirt sponsorship deal, the most lucrative in history.

[SaintPowelly]

I am 99% sure that most of ( if not all ) the PCB will resign as soon as this series is finished