English lessons for Pak players to avoid fixing trap

MUMBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seems to be on a mission to end a timeless concern. Pakistan cricket, whose darkest hour came when Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were found guilty of spot-fixing last year, seem to have established a system to prevent a repeat of the inglorious episode.
In a bid to stem match-fixing at the grassroots level, the PCB has hired former cricketers and retired officials to help fight the scourge.
They have roped in former Pakistan wicket-keeper and COO Wasim Bari on a contract-basis to carry out surveillance and educate players to abstain from match-fixing.
"We have appointed Wasim Bari, who travels everywhere or sends his team to explain the pitfalls of match-fixing. He interacts with players, educates them and even finds solution to various problems," PCB chief Ijaz Butt told TOI on Tuesday.
Among many changes that have been introduced into their domestic circuit, the PCB has made English lessons mandatory for players in its academies. Inability to understand or communicate in English has led Pakistan cricketers to various problems in the past.
"We have scouts who travel around Pakistan to spot talent and bring them to the academies. We have started mandatory English classes and we're also teaching the players how to conduct themselves both on and off the field," Butt said.
The PCB has taken a giant step to revive club cricket in the country and has availed the services of former chief selector Abdul Qadir in preparing a blueprint.
"Around 6000 club matches will be played all over the country this season and Abdul Qadir is controlling every aspect of the tournament - selecting officials, setting guidelines, player management, conflict-management etc," Butt said.
The PCB's Integrity Committee has been on high-alert ever since last year's match-fixing scandal and Butt believes Pakistan have learnt a hard lesson.
"Besides the ICC's Code of Conduct, the PCB Integrity Committee is also taking strict action on suspects. We have strong anti-corruption clauses in players' contracts... If we have doubt about anyone's integrity, or have evidence about spot or match-fixing we will show no kindness to anyone," Butt said.
Not being skeptics, let's hope Pakistan once again emerges as a dominant force and doesn't get back to its wicked ways.