Players are not solely responsible for match-fixing: Rashid Latif

Pakistan’s former wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif, in a YouTube video on Tuesday, raised question marks over the role of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the cricket boards around the world with regards to the issue of match-fixing while stating that the players were not solely responsible.

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The 51-year-old claimed that the officials in the boards across the world were aware of the circumstances.

“The players are not solely responsible for match-fixing. The players are just pawns. No convicted individual can hold a government job. Why does this happen in Pakistan?” Latif said. “The ICC or the board instructs players to stay away from particular individuals. However, the individuals that have been flagged are associated with franchise teams. In Pakistan, the old heads of the PCB were well aware of the circumstances. If a board is involved, then how can the player be safe?"

"The officials in the higher offices of the cricket fraternity are dummies, who are brought there by six to eight individuals. The bank accounts of these businessmen are filled with the PCB’s money. All boards have continued to protect a select few players. This is why they have opened a franchise window so that you can do everything here while leaving international cricket untainted. There are many questions and concerns," he added.

The former wicketkeeper-batsman questioned why convicted spot-fixers were given government jobs when the rules clearly stated otherwise.

“No convicted individual is granted government jobs. How have players such as fast bowlers Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt working in government departments? Port Qasim Authority had removed batsmen Khalid Latif and Shahzaib Hasan around two years ago. They have not returned since then,” he concluded.