“Spot-fixing and betting have no place in cricketing world,” says the Former Pakistan Captain, Shahid Afridi. He added that it is a high time that the ICC should take some necessary steps in this regard so that cricketing world doesn't see such kind of mess in the coming years.
He was quoted by DNA saying, "These sorts of scandals which have cropped up in IPL and BPL are very damaging for cricket as a whole. They are also unfortunate and sad. But I think now all stake holders involved in the game must ensure they don't happen again.”
He urges that authorities should intervene in this case to come to a concrete conclusion. "Steps have to be taken to ensure the credibility and image of cricket doesn't suffer anymore. Such leagues are bringing so much earning for players and if we don't protect their credibility we will suffer. Due to a few players all the players must not suffer," he was quoted saying by Times of India.
Afridi has been left unnoticed while picking up the Pakistan’s 15 member squad for Champions Trophy 2013. But he feels that Pakistan has bright chances of winning this trophy despite an inexperience that they have.
He went onto say, "Pakistan is looking a very balanced unit and it would be interesting to see that how they adapt to English conditions. They need to play ut of their skins as the level of competition is going to be very high as they have some tough opposition lined-up," he said.
Off-spinner was quoted by Indian Express saying, "The way I look at it Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan and Junaid Khan have key roles to play in Pakistan's campaign in the Champions Trophy. Riaz is a courageous bowler and he can make world of difference with his all-round dexterity.”
Meanwhile, Sultan of Swing and Pakistan's former captain, Wasim Akram was quoted by Deccan Chronicle saying, “Riaz can be groomed into a good allrounder for the future. Riaz had been in and out of the team since the 2011 World Cup for reasons not known to him.”