Cricket Spot Fixing Scandal Threatens Aid for Pakistan Flood Victims
The cricket spot fixing scandal has added to the woes of Pakistan, where the country is already reeling from devastating floods. British MP Khalid Mahmood has warned that the scandal could jeopardize aid for the flood victims, with Mahmood stating that the crisis is "absolutely the worst thing that could have happened now." The scandal, which involves Pakistani cricketers allegedly taking bribes to fix matches, has come at a time when the country is in dire need of assistance, with many expecting disease and famine to follow in the wake of the flooding.
Key Takeaways:
- The cricket spot fixing scandal has been condemned by British MP Khalid Mahmood, who represents Perry Barr in Birmingham, as "absolutely the worst thing that could have happened now" for Pakistan.
- Mahmood warned that the scandal could jeopardize aid for the flood victims, who are already struggling with disease and famine.
- The Disasters Emergency Committee, a co-ordinator of charity work in the flood-affected areas, has stated that the scandal will not hamper their relief efforts.
- Cricket agent Mazhar Majeed, 35, was arrested on Saturday and accused of accepting 150,000 pounds in a sting operation.
- Majeed and his brother Azhar Majeed act as agents for seven players, including captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif.
- Pakistani cricketers Muhammad Asif, Mohammad Amir, and Salman Butt are among those accused of spot fixing.
- A number of Pakistani-Americans are reportedly disappointed with the scandal and have expressed a desire to disassociate themselves from the cricket team.
Statistics:
- 150,000 pounds: the amount of money allegedly accepted by Mazhar Majeed in the sting operation.
- 7: the number of players who are claimed to have acted as agents for Majeed and his brother.
- 3: the number of Pakistani cricketers accused of spot fixing, including Muhammad Asif, Mohammad Amir, and Salman Butt.
Sources:
- ANI (Asian News International) - Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved.
- The News of the World (NOTW) tabloid.