Kaneria’s confession bespeaks dangers that exist

After six years of persistent denials, Pakistan’s former legspinner Danish Kaneria has admitted to charges of match- fixing in a county match that earned him a life ban in 2012.

For those late on the story, Kaneria was indicted after he was found to have presurised Essex teammate and fast bowler Merwyn Westfield into bowling with the intent of conceding 12 runs in an over in a one day game against Durham in 2009.

Westfield conceded 10 runs, but during investigation admitted to having received 5000 pounds from a bookie to underperform at Kaneria’s behest.

He was handed a four month prison sentence and banned for five years by the England Cricket Board while the Pakistani leg spinner was described as “a grave danger to cricket” and banned for life.

Kaneria accused Westfeld of “destroying his career” and twice appealed against his ban, losing both times. assist the ICC in investigating a corruption case, as came to light last week, is baffling. There is no charge of corruption against the former Sri Lanka captain, but the ICC claimed that he was being unhelpful. Jayasuria has said he will do everything to help, and hopefully that will happen.

Former stalwarts — particularly those who have been indicted and accepted their guilt — can wield far greater influence on young players on how to manage their careers and lives against the many pitfalls that can come their way.

This is of the crux. Kaneria’s belated contrition highlights that corruption still lurks in the sport, and at various levels. If anything, this has become greater since the proliferation of T20 leagues in the past few years.

The most telling part of his confession has not so much to do much with him, but Westfield, who was only 21 at the time he agreed to underperform. Kaneria says Westfield succumbed to temptation because “he wanted to get rich soon” to change his lifestyle.

This bespeaks perhaps the mindset of a large number of young players, but also the dangers that exist in cricket, and now more pronounced because of the pay disparities in various T20 leagues.

Those low in the pecking order of stardom or on the fringes, unsure of their future, would be gullible to temptation and easy prey to match and spotfixing sharks.

As has become evident over time, there is no fail- proof method to eradicate corruption from cricket ( or any sport). While i nve s t i g at i o n methods need to become harder and punishments stricter, the best long- term option is still mentoring and counseling to start at an early age.