The ugly mess of spot-fixing has again raised its head in Pakistan cricket. Just as Umar Akmal was banned for three years for not reporting approaches made to him by bookies, former Pakistan captain Saleem Malik has finally admitted to having done spot-fixing 19 years ago.
“I am very sorry for what I had done 19 years ago. I am ready to extend unconditional cooperation to the International Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board in this regard,” Malik said in a video message.
The 1992 World Cup-winning batsman was given a life ban in 2000 for offering a bribe to Australia’s trio of Shane Warne, Mark Waugh, and Tim May in the 1994-95 series to fix the outcome of a match.
An emotional Malik requested that he be treated like other Pakistani cricketers, who are now pursuing cricket after having faced the charges of spot-fixing.
“I have played this game throughout my life; this is my bread and butter. Therefore, I appeal that under the laws of human rights I like other players [found guilty of fixing] be treated,” he said.
“Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, and Sharjeel Khan are playing but I have been ignored and not considered to become a coach of players,” he added.
Former Pakistan Captain Salim Malik has apologized for match fixing after 18 years pic.twitter.com/sRy3bcswhc
— Ali Raza (@AliRazaTweets) April 26, 2020
Malik had applied for the position of the national team’s batting coach in 2012 as well as the role of the head coach in 2008.