×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

20-year ban for match-fixer bodi

The match-fixing scandal took a great leap sideways yesterday when Cricket SA (CSA) banned Gulam Bodi for 20 years but failed to take the opportunity to cast further light on the biggest threat to confront the game since Hansie Cronje crossed over to its dark side 16 years ago.

How many other players were or are involved, how, when and how many fixes or attempted fixes were arranged, how deeply the fixing cancer has spread into SA cricket, was not among the information CSA decided to share at a press conference at Centurion.

"I fully accept that there are certain members of the media that would have liked to have had information sooner, but this is a very complex matter," Louis von Zeuner, an independent member of CSA's board, said.

CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat didn't take kindly to media coverage of the story.

"You'll respect our position that we don't make any comment on an investigation that is ongoing," Lorgat said. "Importantly, we won't confirm or deny any name that is speculated in the media."

Former SA player Bodi earned his ban, five years of which has been suspended, by contriving to fix domestic matches in SA last year. He was suspended in December and, CSA say, confessed to the charges last week.

Bodi, 37, didn't sound like a man who had been barred from earning money the only way he knows how when Sowetan called him yesterday. "Hey! How you, man," he boomed into the phone. Was he as relieved as he seemed? "They've warned me not to comment. I'm still busy sorting things out with my lawyer."

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.