PAK v SL: Pakistan cricketer approached by bookie in the UAE

Pakistan cricket has been plagued by instances of corruption over the last few years. Ever since the infamous 2010 spot fixing scandal in England, the unscrupulous element does not seem to be leaving the Pakistani cricket circle. In a most recent incident, a Pakistani cricketer was approached by a bookie in the UAE ahead of the third ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The third ODI was expected to be a deciding one in the context of the series with Pakistani team leading the five-match series 2-0 back then. A win for them would have completed a series win. At the same time, the Sri Lankan team needed to win the third ODI to stay alive in the contest. Hence, it comes as no surprise to see allegations of bookies intervening to keep things interesting in the series.

However, as it turned out to be, the men in green completed an easy win in the match and sealed the series 3-0. The big breaking news, though, still remains. The approach made to the cricketer of the national side has once again shook up the cricket in Pakistan. As per the reports in Wisden India, the cricketer was quick to report this approach made to him to the cricket board – the PCB.

“A top player was approached by a bookie and the player instantly reported the matter to the PCB anti-corruption unit. The man has been known to the players and lives in UAE,” a source familiar with the proceedings told Wisden India.

PCB yet to respond

The actions of the cricketer are indeed appreciable since he was quick to take the matters to the anti-corruption unit of the PCB. The identity of the cricketer has not been revealed thus far. Also, the PCB is yet to make an official statement on the same. It will be interesting to see how the board tackles the situation.