Outrage, anger, disbelief. Cricket racket has everybody gasping

These are serious allegations and if there is evidence we should have an independent inquiry into the matter and by that I mean an investigation not involving anyone from the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB). I’d be astonished if it had happened in this instance, but this thing is rife in cricket and the biggest mistake we could make would be to try and sweep it under the carpet without an investigation

JAGMOHAN DALMIYA, ICC PRESIDENT:

I cannot say anything on hearsay. I cannot announce on hypothetical basis.

If there is any grey side to it, we will take care. We have our own way of working. We will cross the bridge when we come to it. There is nothing to worry.

RAY MCcAULEY, A PERSONAL FRIEND OF CRONJE:It’s absolute nonsense. I know Hansie well and his integrity is beyond reproach.

HERMAN GIBBS, FATHER OF HERSCHELLE:

It’s common for cricketers to be approached by bookmakers all the time on the subcontinent, but I don’t know whether that happened in this instance

GRAHAM FORD, SOUTH AFRICAN COACH:

Not for one moment can I believe it’s true.

AJIT WADEKAR, EX-INDIAN CAPTAIN, COACH:

It’s really shocking. But, I just don’t understand why should these things be brought out only after an event is well and truly over. Besides no one is caught “red-handed.” As far as South Africa is concerned, I don’t think they would be involved for they’ve always played clean, professional and determined cricket. They were hampered by a few injuries and returned to form in Sharjah playing handsomely. Had they been involved in such a scandal then why only in India and not in Sharjah? I strongly feel that if anyone is found to be a part of betting or cheating then it should be brought out immediately and not after a period of time.

DILIP VENGSARKAR, EX-INDIAN CAPTAIN:

IT is most shocking. I don’t know whether the taped conversation will hold good in the court of law. If it does, then these players should be banned for life from playing the game. The ICC has to wake up to the situation and act very sternly.

DILIP SARDESAI, FORMER INDIAN TEST BATSMAN:

IT is very difficult to comment on these developments as such cases are very difficult to prove. But again there cannot be smoke without a fire. There has to be something. If such things are true then I am disappointed to state it is very bad for cricket. It is high time the ICC steps in and takes stern action against the erring players. By now the ICC must realise the gravity of the situation and start taking such reports seriously.

ASHOK MALHOTRA, NATIONAL SELECTOR:

I am stunned because South Africa is a team which plays collectively. It is unimaginable.

SYED KIRMANI, FORMER INDIAN KEEPER:

If the allegations are true, I am ashamed to be a cricketer. I heard earlier also that match-fixing was there. The ICC and BCCI should decide what sort of probe should be done.

NKP SALVE,FORMER BCCI PRESIDENT

If these allegations are true, it will have an impact on international cricket.

MANINDER SINGH, FORMER INDIAN SPINEER:

If there is any truth, the players involved should be immediately banned.

SABA KARIM, INDIAN WICKET-KEEPER:

I am shocked to hear the news. We did not notice anything while playing. We gave our best and everybody saw it on television

ABDUL QADIR, FORMER PAKISTAN SPINNER:

It is shameful and humiliating for any nation. Internationally it should be discussed. It is a sad thing to have cropped up in the game. Nobody, however big a player he might be, should be spared.