Imran Khan: Government intervention necessary in cricket bribery (9 Nov 1997)

Sunday 09, November 1997

Government intervention necessary in cricket bribery

By Ranjan Anandappa

NO cricket board would be able to eradicate bribery and corruption - only an investigation by an unbiased team appointed by respective governments could do so. This was the view of former Pakistan cricket captain now turned politician Imran Khan.

The former cricket idol Imran, speaking at his Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, said that when there is big money in cricket, contracts were always going to be there, referring to the bribery allegations which has plagued cricketing circles.

He said that through corruption, it is the general public that suffer, while a few people make money. `Corruption is a tax on poor people. Similarly, taking of bribes by cricket board members means that the legitimate money could have gone to the cricket systems of the countries and the cricketers too suffer.

Speaking about Sri Lanka's cricket, Imran said that the performance of the Lankans was truly great, considering the fact that there on-going war in Sri Lanka. He was full of praise for skipper Arjuna Ranatunga for the way he (Ranatunga) has guided the team to new demensions in cricket.

Imran said that Test matches are clearly won by the bowlers. `People don't realise that Sri Lanka has the most experienced batting line-up in the world, ``Imran Khan said., and added: ``Jayasuriya is in a class of his own.''

He said that Sri Lanka must sharpen up the bowling. `Vaas was looking good at one stage, I don't know how he is bowling these days. I have not seen him bowling recently.

Imran Khan said that Pakistan has the most talented team, but due to lack of proper leadership, the team has suffered. However, with Wasim Akram back in the side, they could become a strong outfit. `In the past five years, the Pakistan capatiancy has changed ten times or so. Changing the players does not matter for fresh players to come in, but a change of captain will destroy the team. A team can have a blend of experience and youth, but if the captain changes, there is no strategy,'' said Imran.

Captaincy is something that you could take time to know. One has to learn like Ranatunga - look how he has matured and how he looks very formidable.

Imran Khan was critical of staging night matches in Lahore as it is not the season to play cricket in the night, as the side fielding second is at a great disadvantage because of the heavy dew.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)