Life ban not sufficient for IPL ‘fixers’

It felt like we were clinging to an increasingly thin chance of play-off qualification for much of the season, but they were finally extinguished against Pune a few days ago. We have not played well enough this season.

Still, I was confidant we would win the match while Yousuf [Pathan] was at the crease and his dismissal for ‘obstructing the field’ turned the game. It was naturally the turning point of the game and a talking point afterwards. For what it’s worth, it was accidental. But it’s gone now.

The biggest talking point since has been the fate that has befallen the Rajasthan Royals. I have great sympathy for Rahul Dravid and Paddy Upton as captain and coach, and for the rest of the players in the squad who have played so well this season.

As for the three ‘fixing’ suspects, if they are guilty then I have no sympathy whatsoever. A life ban from the game is not sufficient. They should face criminal charges and be sent to prison. After that, I don’t think they should be allowed to play cricket in their back garden.

Cricket has given us all the chance to make something of ourselves, to entertain people and even change lives. We are privileged to be role models and we should take that responsibility seriously at all times. Those who know the game of cricket will know that it is to be respected because, if it is not, it will hurt you.

Although I am looking forward to returning home and spending time with friends and family, I am also leaving KKR with a heavy heart after three wonderful years, during which I have enjoyed the kind of warmth and hospitality some people never experience in their lives. Who knows what next year will bring? I would love to be a part of this team again, but who knows?

There will be plenty of pride and passion on display against Hyderabad on Sunday and we are determined to finish the tournament with a victory. Obviously there is a great deal at stake for the Sunrisers, who have the chance to finish off a tremendous season with play-off qualification.

Tom Moody has been an obvious success as coach and Dale Steyn has led their attack with all the fist-pumping, vein-popping determination that he usually reserves for South Africa. They will certainly be ‘up’ for the game and dangerous. But so will we. Hopefully we can go out with a bang!