To bowl a no-ball to earn more money is just greed: Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen was one of the players in the England team who was dismissed by Mohammad Amir at Lord’s in August 2010. The England batsman has joined the group of former players who believe Amir should have been banned for life for his spot-fixing scandal in 2010. The Pakistan pacer is all set to make his Test return at Lord’s after he deliberately bowled no-balls at the same venue 6 years ago.

In his column to The Telegraph, KP wrote, “Any sportsman or woman caught match-fixing, spot-fixing or taking drugs should be banned for life. They have broken the rules, should pay the price and not be given a second chance.”

“If you cheat the system, either by taking drugs or money to underperform, then you are mugging the spectators, your team-mates and a sport that has been around a lot longer than you,” Added Pietersen.

KP further added that the players who take advantage of sport and depreciate it by taking drugs or by any means should not deserve a second chance in life.

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“People always deserve a second chance in life but sport is different. We are paid to play a sport we love and are damn lucky to lead the life of a professional cricketer. To try to gain an advantage by taking drugs or devaluing your sport by being bribed is breaking the 11th and 12th commandments. There can be no way back.”

“I understand that on the subcontinent players come from villages where there is poverty and deprivation. The chance to escape the village and give their family a better life is something they will do anything for. They get the chance to play international cricket and earn massive sums of money and are exposed to temptation. But to bowl a no ball for £50,000 (NZ$90,000) to earn more money is just greed.“

“This is not just about Mohammad Amir, who will play for Pakistan against England at Lord’s this week, but all cheats. Amir is one of many who have been caught and there are probably plenty of others who have got away with it and are still playing the sport.” Said KP.

The 36-year old batsman also warned England players and fans to not abuse or provoke the Pakistan paceman when he makes his Test cricket return at Lord’s on July 14.

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“With guys like him verbals from the crowd or a bit of sledging from the opposition spurs him on to do great things so the fans will not be doing England any favours by giving him some abuse.”

KP also wished the visitors all the good luck for the series, “I wish Pakistan luck and I have a big respect for their game after playing in the PSL, so much so that I was honoured when they approached me to help them out as a batting consultant on this tour.”