Match fixing: Life ban on the guilty

Match-fixing scandal continued to be in the news on Sunday with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing into the scam stating that the first phase of the investigation into the matter is likely to be over in a couple of weeks. The initial findings will be made public sometime next month.

UNI reported that sources close to the agency said that a regular case (RC) would depend on the facts found during the first phase of probe. The sources added that currently the agency in accordance with the Government directive is investigating the case on the basis of the preliminary enquiry which was registered on May 2. A report of the initial findings of the "Hansiegate" scam is expected to be submitted to the Government after September 15.

After the submission of the report, the sources said the decision on the report to be made public or not would be left to the Sports Ministry. Earlier in the week, Union Sports Minister SS Dhindsa in a reply to the question in Rajya Sabha had said that the investigation agency would submit the preliminary report in September.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in its code of conduct for players and officials approved that those cricketers found involved in betting and match-fixing could be banned for life. "The finalised code would come into effect from October 1," BCCI president AC Muthiah said. The code also makes it mandatory for players to disclose gifts received both in cash or kind if it exceeded Rs 50,000, within 15 days of its receipt. The code would be applicable to "everybody", Muthiah told reporters in Bangalore on Sunday.

On a separate front, a three-man disciplinary committee of the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) confirmed that Herschelle Gibbs and Henry Williams were involved in match-fixing and will slap a penalty on them on August 28. The two players admitted to accepting money to play below their potential while a third player Pieter Strydom pleaded innocence. PTI quoting UCB sources said "Gibbs is likely to be banned from international cricket for at least a year for his role in the Cronje match-fixing scandal, Williams is likely to be fined, while Strydom is expected to escape with a caution."