King Stalemate

What the hell is going on? The whole match-fixing debacle world-wide just seems to be dragging on and on and on.

We have all been subjected to endless rumours and innuendo regarding this catastrophe, but have been presented with very few facts. It is so easy to accuse inadequacies in other cricketing nations’ investigations, but let’s look at our own backyard first.

The King Commission started in June in Cape Town with all the purpose and drive of a runaway train but, after some explosive revelations that did plenty in exposing this corruption world-wide, it has slowed down and has since come to an abrupt halt.

It is being suggested in some circles that the commission will never again pull out of the station. Should that happen it would leave many questions unanswered and the public bewildered. We need to get finality on this issue and expose all who are guilty world-wide.

That is the only way the faith in the game can be restored to the extent where cricket lovers around the globe will pack the stadiums in complete knowledge of genuine anticipation of a battle of truth. That’s the point we need to get back to and unfortunately we are not close to it yet.

In April when cricket was hogging all the front pages instead of the back pages, I distinctly remember the President of the United Cricket Board of South Africa, Percy Sonn, matter of factly informing the nation that quick action was needed on this issue and that we would see results.

Well that was some 8 months ago and yes, thanks to the likes of Pat Symcox, Dr Ali Bacher (albeit somewhat speculative) and Gibbs and Williams, we initially got that, but Mr President, what now? We are now being told that the King Commission might start again in late January, but we’ve all heard that before.

Prosecutor Shamila Batohi has ventured to India and returned with what we are told are authenticated transcripts of further conversations between bookies and various parties. We can only assume they are significant details for the Commission not to be champing at the bit. Another job, incidentally with the Scorpion Unit, is imminent for Batohi so therefore the focus may have changed. That does us all no good.

Judge King, who handled the initial dealings so well, needs to ensure this commission does not enter the same file as the pathetically inadequate corruption report from Pakistan. The cricketing world was eagerly awaiting the finality of the South African investigation, saying this will be the only one completed properly and without prejudice. I wonder what the same voices are saying now? Judge King must get things back on track so that derailment is avoided.

How will we all regain our faith in the great game of cricket? The only way is by the completion of all investigations and in the recognition of villains. It will take some balls – but hey, we need them to play!