Pakistan's cricket nightmare has just begun...

Knockout blow is perhaps the most charitable way to describe what has befallen sport in Pakistan. Especially in cricket, Pakistan has been trying to raise its head. And now with the steamy, if not slimy, allegations of match-fixing during the fourth Test at the Lord's the worst of nightmares has only begun. There is little doubt that as events unfold in the controversy surrounding captain Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamer there will be more drama.

While we all watch this nightmare unfold, it also send a stiff warning to other cricketing nations, Sri Lanka included, that the highest standards of ethics need to be observed in the face of the temptations that unsavoury characters circling the pitch offer.

Allegation

This allegation hit Pakistan sport, especially its cricket on the head like bouncer from former West Indian pace ace Malcolm Marshall. The Pakistani cricket establishment is still groggy after being hit by that bouncer and are struggling to come to grips with the fall out which in reality has done irreparable damage to the image of the country's sports, whatever the final outcome of the inquires may be.

Unfortunately Pakistan cricket has always been tainted with allegations of ball-tampering, match-fixing. And lately seven of their athletes were banned for two years over doping offences just two months ahead of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Heroes

The Pakistani cricketers were being hailed as heroes after their victories over Australia and then in the third Test against England in England. They seemed headed for another series levelling victory against England in the final Test, having England on the ropes at 102 for seven.

Then a record eighth wicket stand by Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad who both hit centuries rescued England and finally took them to an innings victory to pocket the series 3-1.

Suddenly with England on 102 for seven, things went horribly wrong for the Pakistanis. One could not come to terms how the Pakistanis let England off the hook. But as things began to unwind, the three Pakistani cricketers would have sniffed the match-fixing allegations and so the sudden slump in form.

Deliberate

On the final day of the Test which was Sunday, Britain's 'News of the World' newspaper published the results of a 'sting operation' which appeared to show how an alleged fixer had been able to ensure the deliberate bowling of no-balls by Pakistan pacemen Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamer.

The irresponsible act by these three cricketers gives an unbearable stench, not only to its sport, but sadly to the entire country that has been riddled in controversy in every way of life over the years. Cricket in Pakistan was seen as the sport that brought warring factions together. At this time, with the ravages and misery of the floods in the country, an outstanding win in England would have been soothing to the morale of the country. Rather, with the match-fixing scandal, it's been more salt being rubbed into the wound and into the conscience.

Life threatening

The Test matches against Australia and England should have been played in Pakistan. But after the life threatening attacks on the Sri Lankan cricketers by terrorists, sport to be played in Pakistan came to a full stop and these games had to be shifted to England.

Today's sport world has been made a steamy and filthy cauldron by the money that is flooding into it. Winning, and winning at whatever cost, hitting the SPIRIT of the game for six and indulging in match-fixing to carry away the gunny bags of money is sadly the bottom line.

Pakistan is on its knees shamed by the dreadful act of three of their most talented and promising cricketers Butt, Asif and Aamer. Other cricketers too seem to be involved but have so far not been named.

More names and more sordid happenings are likely to come to sordid light as the case progresses. These are early days and the Pakistani authorities have promised swift action once the full story is told and allegations are proved.

Pakistan seems to think that this is a conspiracy and have closed ranks with their players. But whatever the 'News of the World' like all responsible newspapers would not dare cook up a story and lose credibility. The units set up to deal with corruption in sport and other units connected are all at work, attempting to unravel the full details of this match-fixing scandal and if and when these allegations are proved, confiscating of the big money earned and a total ban from the game will serve as the ideal deterrent for these lepers.

Role model

The Pakistan Cricket Board installed Salman Butt as captain after Sahid Afridi quit Test cricket. A captain is expected to be a role model, leading from the front and by example. That Butt forgot this and it's alleged that along with Asif and Aamer, sold the game for 30 pieces of silver is unimaginable, unforgivable and unacceptable.

Butt had fortune smiling his way when on his debut as captain, he had a memorable outing beating Australia and then England. Critics were lavish in their praise for him saying that at long last Pakistan had found the captain to take their cricket forward. He was a stubborn left-hand opening batsman.

Asif has not had his career on a bed of roses. He had been accused of much wrong doing from the time he launched his career and critics reckon that at every turn he was lucky to get away lightly. But apparently he has not learnt.

Rare ability

He too has a lovely run-up and action and has the rare ability to surprise batsmen with his late movement both ways. He has always met with success and had a bright future before him. But from now on it will be different.

Young and just 18 years of age Aamer, if these allegations are proved is also likely to suffer a ban from all forms of the game. If and when that happens it will call finis to his career that promised much.

Many a Pakistan fast bowler including Wasim Akram and the current coach Waqar Younis saw in him a revelation and were gloating about him and the future that lay ahead for him.

Aamer had a beautiful run up, the ideal jump at the wicket before delivery, had the rare ability to move the ball both ways disconcertingly, gain that extra bounce which had batsmen fearing to face him.

Prowess

The Australian and England batsmen whom he dismissed with ease would bear testimony to his bowling prowess for one so young. Why all which began with a bang had to end so suddenly for the young man was cruel and sad. But that is the curse that awaits the dishonest and the cheats even in daily life. Exposed and naked they will be some day or the other. Recently Pakistan had to ban seven of their top athletes for two years over doping offences just two months ahead of the Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi. The athletes tested positive for banned steroids at the National Championships. Naming them will serve as a deterrent to others attempting such dishonest and cheating tactics. The culprits are - javelin thrower Mohammad Imran, shot putter Mohammad Waseem, high jumper Rozina Shafqat, sprinter Nadia Nazir, distance runner Shagufta Naureen, pole vaulter Zahra Razzak and 200 metre specialist Asif Javed.