A former Proteas player likely to be charged for match-fixing in Ram Slam T20

An article by Neil Manthorp in Business Day revealed a shocking report: “a legal case is being prepared against a significant number of domestic players for corruption during the recent Ram Slam Twenty20 tournament.” Cape Town – According to reports, the “intermediary” in the ongoing Ram Slam T20 match-fixing case is a former Proteas player.

In mid-December 2015, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that it’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit had charged a perpetrator – operating as an intermediary – under its Anti-Corruption Code for contriving to “fix, or otherwise improperly influence aspects of last year’s tournament.” In addition, the ‘intermediary’ was also charged with failing or refusing to co-operate with the investigation.

The tournament, which ran between November 1 and December 12, 2015, was won by the Titans who beat the Dolphins by seven wickets in a one-sided final at SuperSport Park in Centurion. CSA has remained tight-lipped over the identity of the individual to date, but according to respected cricket writer and commentator Neil Manthorp, the ringleader is a former national player who is almost certain to face prison time for his actions. In addition, a legal case is being prepared against a number of domestic players for corruption during this season’s tournament. Other players are expected to be charged with the lesser crime of “failure to report” suspicious or illegal activity.

While the International Cricket Council (ICC) has gone to great lengths to rid the game of unscrupulous individuals, the fact is that those willing to tarnish the gentleman’s game still exist within the sport. The world’s eyes will be firmly glued on CSA to see how the governing organisation in the Rainbow nation deals with the latest calamity on the sport.