Hansie Cronje, Md. Azharuddin, Herschelle Gibbs: The Fallen Angels of Cricket
A charge-sheet by Delhi Police in India alleges that Hansie Cronje, was paid a considerable amount (around AUD$ 250,000) by a bookie based in London. The amount was paid in two installments. Thus, the match-fixing controversy seems not leave Cronje, even after his untimely death. Here are some of the tainted cricketers.
Herschelle Gibbs
Herschelle Gibbs, along with Henry Williams, was arrested for betting against India in 2000. He allegedly took money for scoring no more than 20 runs in that ODI. Gibbs was banned for 6 months. He returned to the team later and established himself as one among the most valuable players.
Marlon Samuels
This talented West Indian cricketer allegedly leaked information regarding the team as well as its tactics in 2007. He was banned for 2 years after a probe initiated by ICC, which proved him guilty. He is back in the West Indies cricket team after the ban.
Ajay Jadeja
Jadeja was banned for 5 years after he was proved guilty of match-fixing. He, however, challenged the verdict. Strangely, nobody represented him in the court. Therefore, his petition got dismissed. His ban ended in 2003. Today, he is a TV commentator.
Salman Butt
Butt got arrested and eventually suspended from his team, while he served the same as its captain. UK court sentenced him to a one year imprisonment and PCB banned him for 10 years, starting from 2011.
Mohammad Azharuddin
One of the most successful captains of India, his name got tainted with match-fixing allegations. He captained India until 2000. Though Azhar alleged that he had become a soft target because of his religious belief, he later accepted the charges against him. He was banned for life by BCCI.
Salim Malik
Malik captained Pakistan and was one of the legends of Pakistan cricket until he was pinned for allegedly receiving bribe to fix matches. Malik was banned for life. Later, he was proved innocent and the ban was lifted. However, he refused to come back to the game of cricket again.