Ban 'tainted' Pak players from international cricket for life, says ex-Kiwi skipper Reid

Wellington, Sep 1 : Former New Zealand skipper and match referee John Reid wants Pakistan to be thrown out of international cricket for alleged involvement of some its players in match fixing scandals.

The Pakistan team is in the midst of a betting scam, where fast bowlers Amir and Asif are alleged to have bowled pre-arranged no-balls in the Lord’s Test against England.

A tabloid named four Pakistani players and three others of being involved in a spot-fixing racket, and alleged that a Pakistani businessman Mazhar Majeed had paid bribes to the players to bowl no-balls and wides in the series and in the Lords test.

Reid said it was high time decisive action was taken on those found to be involved in illegal activities.

“I would make an example of them. You’ve got to,” the NZ Herald quoted Reid, as saying.

He believes individuals, if found guilty of being involved in fixing, should be kicked out for good.

“I’ve had so many dealings with Pakistan over the years for one reason or another, and they’ve always made excuses,” Reid said.

“No, I''m not sad about these youngsters. You’ve got to penalise them, and make a job of it. They’re good bowlers, but if it’s their career that goes down the drain, too bloody bad. They’ve got to be banned, and for life,” he added.

Reid is not surprised at the latest developments in the game. “But I am surprised it has taken this long [to come to a head].”