Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Gulam Bodi: I’m sorry for my actions
Disgraced former Proteas cricketer opens up about his involvement in SA match-fixing scandal
FORMER Proteas batsman Gulam Bodi is sorry for his involvement in the match-fixing scandal that rocked South African cricket last year.
Bodi was slapped with a 20-year ban by Cricket South Africa in January 2016 after he admitted to contriving or attempting to fix matches during the 2015 RamSlam T20 Challenge in South Africa.
“It’s been a year-and-a-half now and I think that the public of this country deserves an apology,” Bodi told sister publication, the Saturday Star, during an interview at his home in Azaadville, on the West Rand.
“I want to say sorry to all the franchises and teams that I have represented around the world, my teammates, the public who are fans of cricket, my family, my friends, my colleagues, and everybody that I hurt. I’m really sorry for my actions.”
The 38 year old said he had hoped to make his apology sooner but was unable to because of a sanction from Cricket SA. “It was really difficult for me to keep silent for this long. I made a mistake,” he said.
Bodi, who was born in India, was banned for 20 years from participating in an international or domestic match, or any cricket activity other than anti-corruption programmes.
However, five of those years will be suspended on condition that the former Titans and Highveld Lions player commits no further offences.
With the ban in effect for well over a year now, Bodi admits that his life has come to a “standstill”.
“I played cricket for 15
“I have learnt that no matter how much good you have done, people will only remember that one bad deed.”
Bodi said he was also worried about the impact that his actions would have on his family later in life.
“I have three kids, who are all young, so it hasn’t really affected their lives right now. But later on, their lives may be affected. People may hold what I have done against my kids. I’m really worried about that,” he said.
Bodi hopes that the public will give him a second chance to redeem himself. “I was the first person to admit that I had made a mistake and took responsibility when I was handed my 20-year ban,” he said.
But he will never lose his passion for cricket: “I do miss the game. I have been in love with this sport since I was a young boy. I would go everywhere with my cricket bat and ball.
“Cricket consumed my life, it was everything to me. Not many people know this but before I retired from the game, I contemplated taking up umpiring because I love the sport so much.
“I wanted to be involved in any way possible because it is all I have ever known.”
Bodi said he hoped that his sons would grow up to become cricketers.
“One of my sons is a lefthanded batsman just like me. I want to train them up and groom them to become good cricketers,” he said.
Bodi said he was hopeful of working with Cricket SA and the players’ association, to warn others of the perils of match-fixing.