Pakistani trio guilty of spot-fixing

The Pakistani spot-fixing controversy begins it's final stanza. The verdicts have been handed down and all that remains is the sentencing of the condemned. Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt will face jail terms for conspiracy to cheat at gambling and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments. But the questions have not all been answered. How many more matches were involved in predetermined outcomes? Were other players embroiled in the scam? And what exactly have we, the ICC and the players learnt as a result of the scandal?

It now appears so obvious, with the benefit of hindsight, that corruption has been rife in the ranks of the Pakistan cricket team and management. The results of many matches will now come under further scrutiny. In particular, the Sydney test between Australia and Pakistan, where it was apparent that the Pakistan batsman were 'throwing away' their wickets. Was this really the case? I think so. It looked to me like a complete disregard was displayed by the Pakistan batting line-up for the preservation of their own wickets, it seemed to me that they wanted to lose.

I think it's easy for us to condemn and declare the Pakistani's guilty. But I do believe there is more to it than meets the eye. These players were products of their environment. Among the most under-payed international cricketers on the planet, ignored by elusive IPL contracts and struggling to set up their financial security despite being some of the most talented cricketers on the planet. Fundamental problems still exist in the structured division of wealth among the test playing nations. Australia, India and England's top players, including IPL contracts, are capable of earning up to and above a million pounds a year. On the other hand, Pakistan players are payed a dismal sum, on average £22,500 annually on their central contracts. Bangladesh players earn a mere £12,000 a year.

Mohammad Amir, possibly the most promising young fast bowler seen this generation, was on a salary of around £1,500 per month. Similar to that of the average working class Britain. In the era of professional athletes, this truly is a disgrace. It's no wonder that a young man could be tempted so easily to go down the fateful path he was. Amir was awarded £4,000 as Pakistan's player of the series, pocket change for most of England's players, but worth more than two months work for his nation. Amir was trapped by the system in which he was developed. A system where in order to set himself up for life on the back of his trade, he would need to look elsewhere, outside the usual borders of his central PCB contract. Unfortunately he was misguided by his captain, the one Pakistan player a young Amir should look up to the most. This formed the base for his sin.

I find it highly unfair, that the system is such, where great international talents are unable to reach their full potential. Cut short by a mistake brought about by misuse of trust and the pressures of financial security. Do not get me wrong, the actions of Amir, Butt and Asif were the most dishonorable of sporting acts. However, the one lesson I think that must be taken away from this experience is not 'don't spot-fix'. It is that we must move in a way to address this dire issue. Spread the wealth of a fantastic game to all of those who provide such exhilarating entertainment. Pay these special talents what they're worth so that we can enjoy their exploits for as long as possible. Hopefully one day we can be blessed to see Amir striding towards the crease with the red rock in hand and fear in the eyes of the batsman.