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Hansie Cronje Episode...

The Cronje Scandal

Sir,
We Indians have no right to sit in judgement on Cronje's financial backslidings, when we consistently vote to power Rajiv Gandhi, Laloo Prasad, Jayalalita etc. Can any Indian politician of this variety have a thousandth part of the moral courage of Cronje and say "Peccavi!"? I am tired of Indians lavishing such high praise on cricket, as though to like the game is itself a certificate of one's moral rectitude. When we accept supinely the most disgusting political corruption why can't we stomach dirty cricket?

M R Rao

Hansie Cronje-as unfortunate as Bill Clinton

I think that Hansie Cronje has been as unfortunate as Bill Clinton. Many have done, are doing and will always do the same what Bill Clinton did with Monica Lewinsky. But unfortunately Bill Clinton got trapped. The same is the case with Hansie Cronje.
Hundreds of Cricketers (at various levels) worldwide have been receiving money to perform as per the wishes of the giver. But they are mostly lucky in not getting trapped. Few who got trapped got the clean chit later. Those who believe that Hansie Cronje is the last to play for money now should also know that he was the first to accept the mistake. It requires a lot of courage to tell everyone that you are guilty.
Only a real gentleman, from the gentlemen game can show this gentlemanliness.
In my view Hansie was a much smaller thief and must have done this mistake once or twice. People, former and present cricketers and media worldwide are all accusing Hansie but none have shown sympathy towards his confession. None wants to see the other side of his being honest enough to tell the world that he was dishonest. If this will be the attitude of people and media then the many bigger thieves will never confess. If the confession can make you zero from hero and like what Hansie Cronje has been reduced to, then I will advise both the smaller and bigger thieves to never confess. Keep telling lie other wise the people and media will ruin your life.
Look at Hansie Cronje's performance as a captain and a player. Look at his success. Can you ever suspect his loyalty or integrity? No! Never. And if you can suspect his loyalty and integrity then you are stupid and you do not understand cricket.
Cricket has survived and will always survive all these allegations. Nothing can be greater than the game. A player found guilty should be punished but the type of punishment should depend on the gravity of the guilt.
Hansie ! my heart goes out to you. May god give you the courage to bear the pains and strains coming out of your bold and respectful confession.

Mahesh Malani, Bangkok.

Congratulations and hats off to the cops in the Delhi Police who have shown rare foresight and capability which not even the best cops in the world seem to be exhibiting these days. Their handling of the whole issue was very mature and praise worthy. The bookies seem to be having such an excellent network and operate between continents, whereas our law enforcing agencies do not even have faith in each other. It need to work at international level and wipe out this menace which is sure threatening the game as nothing before in its history. The present reaction of the respective Boards and the government is far from satisfactory. They should work on the lead the Delhi police have provided and catch the "big" players. Delhi Police, thanks a lot, you have done the game a great favour. The game shall remember and thank you till it lives.

Suman Kumar Ojha

Indian Cricket Players in Match fixing

It can't be believe that non of the Indian players are involved in match fixing. BCCI has been knowing for its from past few years and covering the players. As a Indian, Indian players played major role in this match fixing. But BCCI does not want to reveal those people. Since the Indian team would loose their credability and people stop watching cricket (not going to happen!!!?) and BCCI won't be able to cash in on cricket anymore. BCCI has become like a corporate with heavy profit. Government should form special investigation on match fixing. As Kapil Dev has told stop International cricket for some time (BCCI cannot afford to do) and do some homework if you want cricket to be watched and played by many people of different nations.

Arul Murugan