Cricket gets ugly. The dress code is gone. The gentleman cricketer is an anachronism. Filthy lucre has stepped in. An Indian channel has alleged that umpires in the subcontinent have also started fixing matches. This has caused alarm in international cricket. Six umpires from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are under investigation for what is the first case of such disgrace. The umpires have denied the allegation. But it is of great concern for cricket lovers. If the umpires can be bought, the future of cricket seems murky. T20 cricket is now the in thing. It is popularizing the game in new markets. So all aspects of the game, including the performance of umpires should also be under scanner.
It is good that Indian umpires are not under suspicion. The Board of Control of Cricket in India cannot ignore the warning signs. The Board is the richest in world cricket and custodian of the T20 league. Though it is not above criticism, it is its responsibility to ensure that propriety is maintained in the game. Already local umpires are reported to be fixing domestic matches for money. Such allegations cannot be swept under the carpet. Strict norms should be laid down to eliminate the practice. The fact that umpires are poorly paid is no excuse. The pay should be increased. It should be remembered that match fixing can be an addiction as was shown in a Hindi film. If umpires are to be, just, however, cricketers should also show exemplary conduct.
