Cricket's sad moment
In the most sensational sporting scandal ever, the most of media in a front-page splash under the heading “Caught: Match-fixer trousers £150K as he rigs the England Test at Lord's.'' The allegations that Pakistani players, including their captain, collaborated with a betting racket during the England-Pakistan Test series could have a debilitating impact on the game. The immediate fallout will be felt in Pakistan, a country that has produced some of the game's finest players. Cricket in that country has been in limbo for reasons extraneous to the game. The fallout of the corruption allegation could be more devastating than the temporary break terrorism has forced on cricketing activity in Pakistan.
Pakistan cricket has plunged to an all-time low with both its worst ever defeat in a Test match and the match-fixing scam. The damage done to cricket is immense. The timing of the latest scandal has not done cricket any good. With major cricket events round the corner, it wouldn't be wrong to say that only cynicism will prevail. The game may very well lose its sheen with incidents like these. The ongoing scandal-a-day saga in the world of cricket reflects the falling standards of morality. Quick materialistic gratification is at the core of such appalling degradation. Cricket was the one institution held in reverence for its values of fair play and high standards. What a fall from grace! Every cricket match played in every corner of the world seems to be attracting the attention of bookies. The Pakistan cricket team must hang its head in shame. The true word came from the Prime Minister of Pakistan: “I am deeply pained. Our heads have been bowed in shame.”
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