The game will survive the present controversy: Sambaran

The former Indian selector and Bengal skipper Sambaran Bannerjee feels the match fixing controversy is temporary. In an interview in Calcutta on Thursday, he said, ``the match fixing controversy has damaged the image of cricket. However, I sincerely believe that this is temporary. Cricket has survived many other controversies. It will also come out of this.''

Citing examples, Bannerjee said, ``cricket had been affected by two other serious controversies in the past. The first was the Bodyline series. The second was the Kerry Packer episode. However, cricket survived both these turbulent events. So I feel that even it takes time, it will come out of the match-fixing and betting controversy that has affected its popularity temporarily.''

When asked whether India's recent performances, were in a way responsible for the scandal being blown up, Bannerjee said, ``It can be. However, people's memory is generally short. If the Indian side manages to win a few tournaments on the trot, the fans will forget everything else. Cricket will again regain its lost glory. So I feel that our players should not burden themselves thinking about this controversy. They should concentrate on improving their performance. I have always believed that winning is the ultimate antidote to everything.''

However, at the same time Bannerjee was of the view that the controversy may affect the performance of the cricketers. ``The situation has reached such a stage that even small matters are being blown out of proportion. It is natural for any cricketer to play a bad shot or deliver a loose ball or miss a catch. However, even these are now being scrutinised minutely. Now a wicket keeper may not dive for catch. He may think that if he misses it then there may be accusations against him.''

The former national selector also does not believe that the income tax raids on the houses of the cricketers should be viewed in association with the betting controversy. Explaining this, he said, ``since the raids have occurred at the time when the CBI inquiry is on, most of the people have been thinking that cricketers are guilty. A number of people have told me that the raids took place only on the premises of the guilty cricketers. However, I do not agree to this line of thought. The income tax department may raid any house in India.''

Bannerjee also had some advice for youngsters playing the game. He feels that they should look to the future and not think about the past. ``The future always promises a better tomorrow. So they should forget what is happening now and concentrate on the game. Even if it is proved that betting and match fixing has occurred, cricket will continue. It is too large a game and passion to be affected by such controversies.''