Raina Alleged For Having Relations With Bookies

MUMBAI: A British newspaper has revealed Indian cricketer Suresh Raina’s links with a bookmaker but the Indiana cricket board on Sunday described the report baseless while the International Cricket Council (ICC) refused to give any comment.

The ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit is probing why the Indian Board kept quiet about a report of its player Suresh Raina being seen in the company of a woman linked to an associate of an illegal bookmaker, a media report said in London.

Making it clear that Raina was not suspected of any wrongdoing, ‘The Sunday Times’, quoting a senior ICC source, said the incident related to India’s tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year.

With the heightened security concerns following the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Pakistan, the Sri Lankans deputed a former general to look after the Indian team.

CCTV Cameras installed at the Indian team hotel showed that on more than one night Raina was in the company of a woman known to be an associate of a man allegedly linked to a bookmaker.

A report, including the CCTV footage, was submitted by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board to their Indian counterparts.

BCCI keeping quiet on Suresh Raina accompanying a woman allegedly linked to bookies during the Sri Lankan tour as “baseless”, saying that she was the agent of the Indian batsman.

Source: Geo News

1- 4th ODI – Umar gul being called for no ball = free hit…..thats possibly 7 extra runs.

2- 3rd ODI – Afridi being referred after being originally given not out…..Afridi could have made a big difference in that innings as we all know.He was 34(29). Pakistan were 185-6 and had 11 overs to go and no power play taken. pakistan only made 242 in the end.

3- 3rd ODI – Luke Wright given not out stumped – england were 178-5 at that stage with only another 64 needed. Wright finished on 48 not out.

4- 1st ODI – Trott was on 26 when Billy Doctrove missed an edge of Ajmal – He went on to make 69.

5- 2nd ODI – Strauss Nicked Umar Gul, Caught by Kamran Akmal – 38* at the time – Strauss went on to make 126 and win England the match.

6- 5th ODI – Collingwood LBW B gul – England 150-4 Key Position in the match – England went on to make 256, Collingwood finishing on 47.

7- 5th ODI – Doctrove calling Shoaib for a wide (hilarious) – penalty one run against Shoaibs Name (could be costly later on in life when pundits mull over strike rates etc)

8- 2nd ODI – Afridi LBW not given against Trott – Trott finished on 53. score went from 114-1 to 189 before he got out.

9- 2nd ODI – Hafeez LBW not give against Trott – Didnt cost anything for once as prat got himself run out on the same ball.

10- 3rd ODI – Mohammed Yousuf LBW – FLAT Batting Track – given out on 16 off 22…..who knows what would have happened had he stayed. Pakistan only made 241.

11- 5th ODI – Kamran Akmal given LBW – The Ball clearly hit the bat. He made 41(53), Score was 80-2 off 18 overs chasing 256… Batsman was set.

12- 4th ODI – Strauss Plumb LBW to Hafeez not given. Strauss was on 41. Went on to make 68.

13- 2nd ODI – Kamran Akmal given out LBW on 74(72). Benefit of doubt should have been given. too close a decision to call. Pakistan were on 122-0 (22 Overs)

Must see:-

• What about Umpire-fixing?

• English Umpires Match Fixing Against Pakistan – Pak Team up against 13 players.

If the umpire gives a poor decision, it is usually considered to a human error, and the man responsible of upholding equality in a game of cricket is easily set off the hook. Sometimes these so-called human errors increase in frequency and occur at crucial moments that turn the result of important matches.

It is unfair why the referral system has not been introduced in the one-day international matches, and the on-field umpires are given the freedom to solely judge and give decisions.

In the tour of England, innumerable allegations were imposed on Pakistan regarding spot-fixing. Two of Pakistan top fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, under the captaincy of Salman Butt were alleged to have deliberately bowled no-balls in the test match against England at Lords. This news created shock waves around the world of cricket. It has been almost a month since the spot-fixing allegations brought forth by the British tabloid newspaper ‘News of the World’ came to light and not even a single piece of evidence has been found against the Pakistani players till date. Even then, they have been prematurely suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The British media and the ICC have focused a bit too much on the entire spot-fixing issue, but what about the blatant umpire-fixing that seems quite evident on television screens during the one-day matches?

Several poor decisions were given in the last one-day match between Pakistan and England. Most of them went in favour of England. The no-ball bowled by Amir and Asif were blown to crazy proportions by both the ICC and the British media, but what about the so-called no ball given by the umpire during the 5th ODI, which was clearly not a no ball. By giving this decision, the umpire allowed a free hit which could have proved costly for Pakistan, but fortunately for Pakistan, Umar Gul was able to bowl a good delivery which did not give any runs.

Secondly, there was a stumping appeal against Luke Wright but it was dismissed by umpire Billy Doctrove and was not referred to the third umpire despite repeated appeals by Umar Akmal (who had replaced Kamran Akmal as wicket-keeper due to Kamran Akmal’s finger injury). Shahid Afridi argued with Billy Doctrove furiously as he did not understand why the decision was not being referred to the third umpire.

And that’s not all. Captain Andrew Strauss, who was in top form and was the most dangerous player of the English side, was plum LBW (leg before the wicket) but was given not-out. It was the most crucial wicket for Pakistan as Strauss continued to attack Pakistani bowlers despite wickets falling on the other end. Mohammad Hafeez, the bowler, could just not believe it. Even Strauss was sure that he was out as he was heading towards the pavilion. But the umpire, who was British by nationality, closed his eyes and jerked his head. This was yet another shock for Pakistan.

So what would one call this? The two games that Pakistan did win were not dependent on the umpire’s rulings as most of the wickets were taken when the batmen was either bowled or caught.

It really makes one wonder that is the ICC taking a notice of this? Can they not see how the umpires turned a blind eye to Pakistan’s appeals? And what about the blatant no-ball decision given by the umpire when it was clearly not a no-ball? The spot-fixing no-balls were really noticed to the point that the poor players were suspended without proof. What sort of justice is this? The ICC has really proved to be a pure western body so far where most of the problems faced by Asian countries seem to go unnoticed. One cannot help but sense double-standards prevalent in the body which is there to support cricket for all.

Must see:

>>English Umpires Match Fixing Against Pakistan

Watch English Umpires Match Fixing Videos Against Pakistan. Horrible decisions being made against Pakistan and mistakes aren’t done with so much frequency at this highest level. Must Watch Videos.

Share this with Friends and everyone so the true face of the English Cricket Board and their Umpires is revealed. Will there be any inquire into this one? I am afraid not and it will just go into the history as another Umpiring Error(s) and will be burried in the pages of the history. Very Sad when we see discrimination at this highest level and in a game which is called a “Gentlemen’s Game”.

Cheaters if they win, fixers if they lose, they are now wondering what to do?

Amid all the tabloid drama that has made the ICC dance to its tunes, cricket is the ultimate loser. Though the Pakistan cricket is fast moving towards isolation, the game internationally is too dwindling into darkness. The ICC’s anti-corruption unit is only making itself a subject of ridicule by launching inquiries after every tabloid report.

They have suspended the three Pakistan players who are yet to be found guilty. But on the other hand, they have remained unmoved on reports of fixing in the IPL matches and the players alleged for involvement were not even called for questioning. It seems their focus is only the Pakistan team.

Instead of waiting for results of the inquiries already under progress, the ICC started yet another investigation on tabloid report without even taking the PCB and the ECB in to confidence.

The strained meeting of the PCB chief and ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat recently has also strained the relations between the PCB and the ECB with Ijaz Butt calling for investigation of a losing England team.

The British media declared that the South African players did not want to play against Pakistan in UAE, but the South African board clearly denied.

Just with one statement of the PCB chief, the ECB and its players have now reacted severely – one wonders Pakistan players have been facing this for quite sometime now. And even the on field umpires during the fourth ODI between the two sides acted quite differently leaving the Pakistan team high and dry on some confident appeals, which were declared even by expert commentators as umpiring errors.

Maybe those who control the game in the ICC have now decided to isolate Pakistan once for all. When Sri Lankan team was attacked, it seemed they had succeeded somewhat but Pakistan gave them a befitting reply by winning the ICC World T20 title.

But ever since the PCB alienated the powers that be by voting against John Howard’s nominations in the ICC, it was only a matter of time that Pakistan was taught a lesson. The News of the World is part of the group that controls a large part of Australian media which was also supportive of John Howard in his election campaigns.

This group, known for its bias towards Muslims in general and Pakistan in particular, is very influential in the USA and the UK. It is also worth a mention that former Australian Prime Minister John Howard was a close friend of US President George W Bush.

With India now claiming the ownership of global cricket cartel, and anti-Pakistan media preying on the opportunity, this is going to be a hard battle for Pakistan cricket in any case. The question is will the world cricket be complete without Pakistan? For the moment it seems the script has been written.

With cricket now being used to settle political scores, may be this is time Pakistan sports look beyond cricket. Pakistan boasts of a glorious past in squash, hockey, athletics, boxing and tennis.

Pakistan cricket under Ijaz Butt and Co. is not strong enough to challenge global financial and media cartels.

Whatever course Pakistan takes, one thing is clear: Pakistan cannot deal with it unless it puts its own house in order.

Tauqir asks ICC to shut anti corruption unit

Former PCB chairman Lt Gen (retd) Tauqir Zia has lashed at the International Cricket Council for taking hasty decisions regarding match-fixing inquiries and blamed it for targeting Pakistan cricket.

Talking to the journalists here on Monday, he said that the ICC was trying to cover up its own incompetence by taking hasty decision and the ultimate sufferer is the Pakistan cricket.

“They are merely relying on media reports for their inquiries,” he said. He asked the ICC to close its Anti-corruption Unit as it has failed to come up with any probe and was relying on newspaper reports.

He said that in all the decisions they are covering their inability making Pakistan a scapegoat irrespective of their win or loss. But if the ICC is a neutral body – which I think they are, they should investigate both the teams – and during the scrutiny they should not pick Pakistan solely – which I think is unfair.” “When the PCB should have reacted aggressively, they didn’t. But now when it’s time for reconciliation they are showing aggression,” he added.

- The Nation

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International Council of Clowns

It’s official. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has lost it. The ICC high officials don’t seem to have a clue as to what is going on in the world game yet they seem determined to damage the game beyond repair. What was the need to announce with great fan fair that they have launched an investigation into the third one-day international (ODI) between hosts England and Pakistan?

If they have any proof they should act and charge. Right now it seems that they are on the defensive and are trying to portray some sense of control that they obviously do not have. If they have to launch an investigation anytime it should be what in the world the ICC Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) is doing? Do they only wake up when a tabloid releases garbage? Maybe the ICC should hire tabloid reporters to work in the ACSU!

It seems the ICC is hostage to some dark power. When the Indian Premier League (IPL) was launched Test players from around the world condemned the rush for money that was afflicting the sport. All manner of wrongdoing has been overlooked by the ICC in the IPL and yet it banned the Indian Cricket League (ICL) exposing its preferences to whoever paid the most. The involvement of Allen Sanford, the disgraced American billionaire, with the game is another sad documentary of the ICC overlooking ethics for monetary considerations.

The ICC was made aware of spot-fixing in 2003. What it has done? When South Africa’s Hansie Cronje died mysteriously the ICC never launched an investigation then. Only when Pakistan score victories the ICC goes to the press. It seems their pious officials think just attack Pakistan and all is well.

All countries have been targeted by bookmakers. Since the latest allegations surfaced nearly every country has reported that their players have been approached in the past. What rock the ICC was hiding behind? Why their officials are so incapable of even the basic responsibilities of a global governing body? How many people at the ICC have actually played cricket?

The ICC acted with blatant haste when it suspended three Pakistan players. Instead of trying to show some authority in the face of criticism the ICC officials just tried to save their own skins. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat was on board with all the developments taking place. The PCB and the Pakistan High Commission in Britain had kept him updated yet he still jumped the gun and suspended the players despite the fact that no evidence existed.

Lorgat seems desperate to save his own job rather than work for the benefit of the game. Shouldn’t the ICC launch an investigation into why Scotland Yard searched player’s rooms and locked their dressing rooms without informing the individual boards? Was the ICC asleep then too? The world cricket body has failed miserably. They are unable to deal with the issues in modern cricket. It seems fat paychecks have detracted the ICC bosses’ ability to do anything progressive. The ICC needs to be reformed before it does any more damage to the world game.

By Inayatullah

The Kashmir Youth Movement for the liberation of Kashmir is gathering strength by the day. It has, by now, continued for more than three months. More than 100 young men have given the supreme sacrifice of losing their lives.

Brutal repression including curfews and siege of homes, mosques, schools, hospitals and bazaars, besides point blank shooting of protesting teenagers, has failed to stop the indigenous uprising. In fact, it has further boosted it. What has all the more irked the Indian government is the way the world is beginning to take notice of the flagrant violation of human rights and unabashed use of force. New Delhi has further come under pressure from the voices rising within India against the oppression inflicted on the protesting people. In this context, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says that he is deeply worried and distressed. Sometime back he had advised the Indian security forces to deal with the protesting youth humanely. But his advice and concern fell flat on the army and the police. Then much was expected from the all parties post-Eid conference. The meeting did take place without arriving at any meaningful decision.

Hit with bullet from Indian troops still shouts FREEDOM and down with oppression and tyranny

Even the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was not withdrawn, despite an appeal by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. And all that the conference yielded was a move to send a fact-finding group to the “occupied” state. In other words, the meeting was a damp squib.

Although the international media has woken up to the unresolved decades-old festering problem in Kashmir, there is a little of positive reaction on the part of major world powers. This almost criminal neglect is mainly due to the influence India increasingly wields internationally. Indeed, the international community overwhelmingly accords more importance to their economic and strategic interests than human rights and state excesses. (Washington’s latest statement about the nature of the current resistance in Kashmir is totally disappointing).

Indian version of democracy in occupied KASHMIR

Linked to these considerations is the general feeling after Nine Eleven, in the world capitals that agitations or uprisings even for legitimate causes should be discouraged or ignored, as such activities could grow into acts of terrorism and violent behaviour. But in the case of Kashmir – India’s 63 years of occupation, holding of fake elections in the occupied territory, preventing and repulsing of Pakistani attempts to intervene (particularly after the Kargil misadventure), plus the rising stature of the so-called largest democracy with its rapidly burgeoning economy, as well as mounting military prowess – all these factors have served to consolidate its stand on the disputed state.

Till the start of the current movement, India had also managed to convince the international community that the resistance in Kashmir was engineered, to a large extent, by Pakistan. However, this is no longer the case. It is recognised that the present demonstration of the Kashmiris’ struggle is not only totally local and indigenous, but it is also more or less peaceful. The only weapon used by the youth during their protests is pebbles and small stones. It is generally accepted that the intensity, continuity and spreading agitation and unrest has turned it into a formidable challenge for the Indian government.

What indeed is disconcerting is the attitude of the Pakistani government. It has been mostly rhetorical, lacking substance and seriousness of purpose. A few statements have come from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the opposition leaders. Even the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, has not met. The civil society too has been slow and lukewarm in expressing its concern.

On the other hand, for the first time the Indian society is stirred up and the government has come under severe criticism for its inhuman and unacceptable conduct in the occupied state. Not only are known human rights activists like Arundhati Roy highlighting India’s criminal conduct, but also columnists like Kuldip Nayar are openly asking India to hold talks with the Pakistani and Kashmiri leaders to resolve the issue. Mention may here be made of the statement issued by The Indian People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) which has also condemned the Indian authorities for inflicting “collective punishment” on the Kashmiri people. One may further quote from a recent The Hindu editorial: “By talking big while having little to offer, New Delhi has unwittingly fanned the flames in J&K….Jammu and Kashmir is poised on the edge of an abyss. Firm, generous-spirited action to win over the people is needed, not post-dated promises and grandstanding.”

Hopefully, the new trail blazed by the brave Kashmiri young men should jolt the so-called ultra liberals and peaceniks’ of Pakistan to realise that Kashmir is vital for Pakistan’s economy and even survival. Although they never tire of referring to Quaid-i-Azam’s August 11 speech; however, they remain shy of recalling his perception of Kashmir as the “jugular vein” of Pakistan. Can one ignore India’s building of dozens of dams on the rivers flowing into Pakistan from Kashmir?

Pakistan, as a “party” to the question of the disputed state, has obligations to discharge, especially when the other party has turned the state into a veritable hell by posting lakhs of trigger-happy security forces there.

Pakistan has to do its duty and work hard to convince the world that India must fulfil its promises repeatedly given in writing by Prime Minister Nehru before and even after the partition, and also honour its commitments to the unanimous UN resolutions.

Pakistan must arouse the world opinion harnessing prestigious TV channels, involving leading think-tanks and parliamentary leaders, mobilising our missions and diaspora with a view to building up such pressure on India that New Delhi not only stops the ongoing state terrorism in Kashmir – not only begins to demilitarise the valley, but also agrees to hold tripartite – India, Pakistan and Kashmiris – round table conferences under international auspices.

Wake up Pakistan. Rise to resolve the vital burning issue. Once this decades-old festering dispute is solved (with some gives and takes), the two great South Asia nuclear powers can open up a new chapter of good neighbourly peaceful relations.

The writer is a political and international relations analyst.

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• Mirwaiz slams Kashmir APC (teabreak.pk)
• Islamabad condemns Indian ‘brutality’ in Indian Occupied Kashmir (teabreak.pk)

Hamid Rajput has a sharp eye to pick between the lines, he always has something interesting to say. Not only that he has a good way to explain and express himself. I find him very interesting and always like to discuss with him.

Dead body of a woman is paraded to establish the Indian ruthless rule

When discussing over many issues, Kashmir had us fixed for the barbaric, inhuman and humiliating atrocities being committed over the Kashmiris. Thus our discussion developed in to deeper groves of the issues related to human sufferings there. Be it children, young, old women or anyone that dares to stand before the Indian authorities is crushed in every conceivable manner so as to break the will of the people. Least that the Indians realise that everything can be destroyed but for the will of the people. Now Kashmir movement has entered into a phase of no return, the violence will increase so will the killings who will check and intervene is a million dollar question. To pin hopes on the powers in the West including the UNO would mean living in a fools’ paradise.

Here see how the Indian women have come out of their clothes and asking Indian army to rape them is slap on the face of the world conscience but who cares. Likewise is the Kashmir issue, who cares.

Indian women protesting against rape by Indian army - can someone answer

Kashmir is a burning issue not from the near past but since the freedom of the sub-continent. The British played their cards and India fell trap to that; India accepted what was not hers hence the British succeeded so they have a permanent buyer of their weapons. Wasn’t that what David Cameron had come to visit New Delhi for? He could not see any state terrorism in Kashmir or elsewhere within India where Maoists and many more are fighting for their political rights and freedom from the yolks of India. If he had not kept his eyes close to these problems, how could he have bagged contracts worth 1.5 billion dollars? After all what’s a human value, what does it mean to few rich and powerful, nothing more than an ant that gets trodden under the feet without even being noticed.

Going back a little, during month of April, he wrote a paper, “Who attacked Mumbai” quoting Indian writers and intellectuals, that Indian thinker now realize that the fault lines lie within. Here some visible factors could be mentioned to think who is behind uprisings on the Indian side of Kashmir. Kuldeep Nayar in his recent article jog Indian memory that Nehru made promise with Kashmiri nation that they would be given an opportunity to decide what they wanted to do with their territory and later he backed out his words. Arun Dhati Roy a well respected journalist from India portrays Kashmir uprising in these words: “Not surprisingly, the voice that the government of India has tried so hard to silence in Kashmir has massed into a deafening roar. Raised in a playground of army camps, checkpoints, and bunkers, with screams from torture chambers for a soundtrack, the young generation has suddenly discovered the power of mass protest, and above all, the dignity of being able to straighten their shoulders and speak for themselves, represent themselves.” She has a very loud and strong voice compared to her frail body and structure. May be if asked, she

Kashmiri Women raped abducted and never to be seen again

could also turn around like Mr. Jinnah who was questioned for his loud and firm voice said, “Do not forget that I am a Rajput from Sahiwal.” But admirably this lady has the courage to say it loud and clear without mincing her words. The tragedy is that Indian leadership has no wish to read or hear such words that may bring them closer to peace.

B. Raman, a former Indian bureaucrat views the recent Kashmir uprising in these words: “We are facing an Intifada of the Palestinian model in J & K for the first time. It is a spontaneous outburst of anger by sections of the youth over what they allege is the disproportionate use of force by the police and the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force).” I took these words as a confession of thousands of killings inside Indian Kashmir. Ban Ki Moon the Secretary General of the UNO also observed similar developments in Kashmir.

Amnesty international‘s report on Indian atrocities on Kashmiris reminds the Indian authorities that they have an obligation to protect the right to life in accordance with international law and it includes the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Law Enforcement Officials, can only use firearms when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. I leave it to readers to decide that who could be behind Kashmir movement, the infiltrators or internal fault lines? To protect the right to life is a far cry for the Indian leadership in power at any given time but their killings, rapes and humiliations of the Kashmiris is a routine matter that has no parallel in history. Just to prove the point, here is a video clipping of the Indian security forces herding the unarmed Kashmiri youth stark naked and abusing them. It has some very derogatory language that has been used in it. It’s a complete shame to humanity who are in a position to influence the Indians and yet they look the other side. This a serious cause that develops vengeance amongst the aggrieved who later over a period of time resort to violence and other means that are then termed as terrorism.

Click on the following links to watch the videos.

• INDIAN ABU GHARIB – 1

• INDIAN ABU GHARIB – 2

What the Israelis are doing in Gaza is simply deplorable that must not only be condemned with words but must be resisted by force of the international community but when it is compared to Kashmir situation, Gaza is just a shadow. When Ban Ki Moon has also seen with his own eyes and realizes the potential threat to world peace why he does not mobilize the international agencies to stem the atrocities of the Indians in Occupied Kashmir makes one wonder about the intentions of such bodies.

To conclude, I would like to appeal to the Indian sane mind that please read the writings on the walls that are visible even to blind and do grant the Kashmiris their legitimate rights for self determination. If for some reason this is not heeded to, the consequence can be disastrous not only for India but for the whole region and world peace.

Raja Mujtaba has over 25 years of writings behind him. His focus is on the Muslim World in particular and all other areas where humanity is subjected to injustice, suppression and killings. He sees the world as a global living but not part of the New World Order that is a Zionist Agenda. His conviction is that there can be no peace without justice thus the root cause to every problem must be identified and addressed. Justice leads to peace that develops love.

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By Sohail Parwaz

It was probably the first week of January 2010 when a story, made the headlines in Indian and international newspapers. It was about Chris Cairns who announced his intentions to sue the Indian Premier League Commissioner Lalit Modi for making derogatory comments against the legendry New Zealander in relation to the IPL’s decision to withdraw Cairns’ name from the initial list of potential players. It’s a world known fact that Chris was suspended by his franchise Chandigarh Lions on disciplinary grounds and that was for nothing else but for the reason that he didn’t reveal that he had an injury. One of his colleagues and an Indian test cap Dinesh Mongia was also suspended for hiding Chris’ injury. The story was bent and buckled by few tabloid newspapers and channels that started reporting it as an outcome of some match fixing crime and with this hazy and far-fetched media stuff available the Indian Bully Boy, Lalit Modi levelled the allegation against the second generation all-rounder of the New Zealand cricket. When Modi’s comments appeared on his Twitter page and also in an interview with Cricinfo, Chris remarked dejectedly that, “The allegation made by Lalit Modi that I have been involved in match fixing is scandalous and it has caused me huge personal distress and professional damage”. That childish act of Modi made Chris think to sue him. On the other hand few weeks later Modi while watching IPL’s final in South Africa had a nibbling knowledge about the troubles waiting, back home, for him.

There was a complaint laid by an NGO that not all of the money promised in a cheque handover to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the victims of last May’s Jaipur terror blasts had come through. Modi was granted bail on February 27, but was banned from leaving India without the Rajasthan High Court’s permission which he violated. The 45-year-old Modi was in fact, in the dog box over two complaints which endangered his cap as the president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) and vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The first case is about an alleged forgery over property the Mumbai-based Modi bought in Jaipur in September 2004 in order to qualify for the presidency of the RCA on the basis of residency. The crime was to produce fake documents in order to purchase the property. The other case is one which simply refuses to die, his conviction for cocaine possession, kidnapping and assault while studying at Duke University in the United States in 1985. Modi pleaded guilty to all charges, was fined $10 000 and was sentenced to two years in jail, which he never served as he was given probation instead.

One might ask that why I am giving this account about an Indian Casanova who had a trail of failed ventures and defaults till four years back but has a lifestyle now that includes a private jet, a luxury yacht and a fleet of Mercedes S class and BMW cars all acquired in the last three years? Well the reason is very simple because the muck starts right from here. The senior Majeed brother (Mazhar Majeed) who made the startling disclosures to a reporter of the local tabloid, ‘The News of the World’ about matches and spots fixing is in fact a chum of Lalit Modi. The both have thick ties and exemplary covert relations. They both watch each other’s back. The only difference is that Lalit Modi is the senior partner. Soon it will also be disclosed that why the Pakistani players, called for the second edition of the IPL, were totally ignored and were not considered worth bidding. That surprised everyone and there were many who bite their fingers. That story will also be disclosed but only after the investigations that revealed that Lalit Modi has permanent interest in three teams; Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab. There were quite credible reports that Modi has silent ownership in these three IPL teams, no matter these are owned by Manoj Badale, Shah Rukh Khan & Jay Mehta, (Juhi Chawla’s husband) and Akash Arora, the part-owner of the team along with Ness Wadia and Mohit Burman.  The role which Majeed Brothers have played in case of Pakistani cricket team is being played by Samir Thakral who is loyally working as a front man for Lalit Modi and whose phone records show conversations with bookies. The serious investigations are on into possible match-fixing and betting in IPL Season 2 which took place in South Africa. In fact the Indian income tax department has safely declared that the IPL teams were involved in the match fixing during the IPL second edition. The sources besides fearing that several IPL players could have been involved have also indicated that phone conversations have also been recorded and that possible questioning of IPL players could happen in this regard. Although the Income Tax investigation wing has filed a confidential report to the Indian finance ministry yet we all know that nothing will ever happen because Mr. Shard Pawar an Indian politician and a close friend of Lalit Modi is at the helm of the affairs in ICC.

Let me assure you that nothing will happen to the Majeed Brothers even, for their strong connection with Modi and for their strong bonds to India than their native country Pakistan. Thirty-five-year-old Majeed is a British born Pakistani having hardly any affiliation to the motherland. He attended Coulsdon High school and studied business at Middlesex University before forming Blue sky Developments with a friend, Faisal Hameed, in 1999. Mazhar Majeed is married to an Indian Muslim while his sister is also married to an Indian. As a friend Lalit had been discreetly looking after Croydon, Majeed’s non-league football club, which Majeed admitted to the reporter that he has been using to launder his illicit gains. So that makes a blur picture clearer. In course of his interactions with ‘News of the World’ Mazhar remarked: “I deal with an Indian party” and they pay me for the information.” Guess who else that could be except his dear friend Lalit. He apparently had messages from this person on his Blackberry mobile phone. More on this will undoubtedly be unearthed when the Scotland Yard will comb through his handset. No doubt the crisp currency aroma trapped the Pakistani players but if we look at the game from above it confirms that the boys were framed especially Muhammad Amir who was emerging as the most dangerous bowler at the horizon of the international cricket.

Even Jeff Lawson, who coached Pakistan for 15 months 2007 – 2008, felt sorry for this talented youngster said: “For me, it would be a great heartbreak if a young man such as Amir, a shining light of hope, has been led astray.” But he also added that Pakistan’s socio-economic situation needed to be taken into account before rushing in to judge the alleged actions of its cricketers. We must remember that we are judging these guys by the standards of our own country, when their situations are vastly different,” Lawson told The Age in Melbourne. He paid tributes to Amir by saying “The first time I met Mohammad Amir when he was 16, coming to an Under-19s camp. He comes from a small village near the Swat valley and was delayed by three hours because the Taliban had closed the highway. That doesn’t happen in this country.”

Shane Watson reported sometime back that twice he was approached by an illegal Indian bookmaker in England last year. Watson and his team-mate Brad Haddin confirmed they were spoken to by the Indian man during the tour and immediately told Australia’s manager Steve Bernard. Not only this, the speeder Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson were also approached during the England tour. Bernard has referred two other bookie-instigated conversations to the ICC during his term as manager.

The game of cricket, like the wrestling, has become an entertainment. Who can claim that football is clean or the basketball games in America are not betted? No game is 100% clean or played with professional spirit anymore. Time has come when bidding on a horse or betting on a player is one and the same thing so why to see the Pakistani cricketers in isolation? If at all it has to be investigated in letter and spirit then put in a little bit of sincere effort and it will lead you to the IPL, where Mr Thakral is a permanent fixture at all IPL matches with VIP access and carries out the betting on behalf of Lalit Modi according to the Times of India reporter.

The world has seen some masked face handing over the money and Mazhar Majeed accepting it. The fact is that no one has seen players taking the money. Well if this ‘sensational scene’ could be filmed then what stopped Mr. James Bond of the News of the World from making videos of money going into the ‘rightful hands’? As some paper rightly said that the allegation of match-fixing against Pakistani cricket team could be a part of greater Psy-ops against Pakistan to de-moralize the trodden Pakistani nation in which some of Asian and western well-wishers of Pakistan could be involved. Keep your fingers crossed and watch the proceedings for unexpected to come up.

Sohail Parwaz is a writer who has it in his genes. He has written scripts for TV plays, critical analysis of the current scenarios and a couple of books. He has been contributing to Opinion Maker.

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• Lalit Modi to face BCCI committee over IPL corruption claims (guardian.co.uk)
• Bombay High Court rejects Lalit Modi appeal over IPL financial irregularities (telegraph.co.uk)

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