Land of Lime

1. Herschelle Gibbs‘ attacking batting is of the highest order. His conduct, unfortunately, is not. A confessed match-fixer, he has dodged being interrogated by Delhi Police. But this time, we don’t know what deal was made to reassure him (and his lawyer) but I am quite mad at what he said after being interviewed by the Delhi Police. May be, one night in Tihar jail would have done the trick:

Boys, I have to tell you this - I’m going to order myself a club sandwich and a coke, and I’m gonna lie right here by the pool and take in some rays for the rest of the afternoon. Right or wrong, that’s what I’m going to do.

Makarand Waingankar points out (in the Hindu) on how in contrast Azharuddin has been treated. Gibbs, who confessed to match fixing, has continued to play and right or wrong, now even orders a sandwich in peace. If national associations aren’t taking action, then what is ICC doing? Well, it’s abrogating authority to let Azhar back into the game. Malcolm Speed claims that the ban on Azhar could only be revoked by the ICC and not by BCCI which imposed the ban. There is a process in place, he says. So far he has no comment on punishing someone like Gibbs though. No one has ever accused ICC of possessing a virtue called fairness.

2. In the meanwhile, that tragi-comic drama that speed merchant Shoiab Akhtar’s career has become now looks to be derailed, what with him being banned for life. But wait. They shall appeal. How can they not after what Intikhab Alam had to say (cricinfo story) on making Shoiab an example:

Intikhab was certain that the tough, albeit sad, decision had to be taken as it would set an example for the young cricketers of the future. “It’s sad that it happened but now the youngsters coming up will be very, very careful. We had to set an example.

“If the players just got their strength from good old-fashioned fitness work and didn’t abuse their bodies with these supplements, they would still be playing.” ………

Intikhab rubbished speculations that the panel was unfairly harsher on Akhtar than Asif. “If people read our statement they will understand,” Intikhab asserted. “He [Shoaib] drinks alcohol, has an active sex life and he’s been part of anti-doping awareness programmes. Shoaib has been around for the last ten years and the written statement that his spokesman gave about him taking dietary supplements and not consulting a doctor, shows he was negligent.”

On Asif he said: “We decided to ban him for a year because his English is not that good, he comes from a remote village where he would not have been educated on the dangers of drugs in sport and so he doesn’t understand.”

The part about city dwelling, alcohol drinking and active sex life is rich! Ah, the principles of justice!

Champion’s Trophy continues but aren’t these games more interesting?