Spot-fixing controversy will affect fan base: Durani

VADODARA: Former test cricketer SalimDurani said on Wednesday that the spot-fixing scandal in Indian Premier League (IPL) and the subsequent controversies have tarnished the sport's image in the country. On a visit to the city for attending an event in Shreyas High School, Durani said that cricket may lose its diehard fans if such controversies keep occurring.
"The fixing scandal in IPL was sad and unfortunate.It has damaged the sport's reputation and cricket may lose its large fan base in the country," Durani, who has played 29 test matches, told TOI. The 78-year-old southpaw, who was famous for hitting sixes, said that if any wrong things have happened, the Bwill have to work towards taking corrective actions.
He, however, defended former BCCI president N Srinivasan and said that there was no reason for him to resign. "If Srinivasan is saying that he is clean and there is no evidence against him, there is no reason for him to resign. If he has refused to resign, he must be having strong reasons. One cannot force him to resign," said Durani who had represented Gujarat and Saurashtra teams.
He also batted for the IPL saying that there is nothing wrong with the cash-rich league. "So many cricketers got a break into India team due to the IPL. And the league also brought in a lot of money for the players. The league is perfectly fine but it is just the individuals who have been accused of indulging in wrongdoings," Durani added.