Match fixing should be made a criminal offence: Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir has backed calls for fixing to be made a criminal offence.

Banned Pakistani pace bowler Mohammad Amir has echoed former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid‘s views on introducing stringent laws for match-fixers, spot-fixers and other offenders of the game.

Amir, who himself is is serving a five-year ban for spot fixing during a Test match at Lord’s in 2010 and was jailed in England for three months on account of corruption, urged the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption unit to review its system and amend its existing laws on the game’s lawbreakers.

The 21-year old cricketer was quoted by SportsMOLE as saying: “Fixing of cricket matches must be made an criminal offence where the punishment should be hard jail. Only then will players be willing to report any approach or offer or unusual activity to the ICC anti-corruption and security unit officers or their management without fear.”

Only a few days ago, India’s batting legend Rahul Dravid had mentioned that merely educating players on indulging in wrongdoings will not be realistic, but instead, harsh punishment must be meted out to those cricketers entertaining bookies and involving in malicious offences.

Speaking on the same lines, Amir said: “I have been through a lot at a young age and I have learnt a lot. I made costly mistakes, but in order to prevent others from being lured into corruption tougher laws are required by the ICC.

“Main thing is that the ICC needs to keep track of all phone calls made by players and officials during a tour or tournament even if they need help of local police to make this legally possible.”

The left arm pacer concluded the interview by advising all young cricketers to stay away from such issues and instead focus on improving their career.

“I would advise all young players to stay away from corruption because in the end if they remain honest and they are good players they will still earn good money,” he wrapped up.