Hidden Innings - 1999 Scandal

The 1999-2000 Scandal

In the first blog of Hidden Innings, we are going to have a look at one very infamous incident that occurred between India and South Africa in 1999-2000.

 It was one of the largest match-fixing scandals in cricket history occurred between India and South Africa in 1999–2000. Allegations were made that South African athletes, including captain Hansie Cronje, had taken payments from bookmakers in order to purposefully lose games.

 

When the Delhi police overheard a phone call between Cronje and an Indian bookmaker named Sanjay Chawla in April 2000, the affair came to light. Cronje was overheard talking about how he may influence the results of the next ODI series between South Africa and India.

Cronje first refuted the accusations, but he eventually admitted to rigging matches. Along with three other South African players, Herschelle Gibbs, Nicky Boje, and Pieter Strydom, he was given a lifetime ban from playing cricket.

The scandal had a huge effect on Indian cricket as well. The incident also involved the Indian captain, Mohammad Azharuddin, who received a permanent suspension. Other Indian players were also looked at, but they were found to be innocent.

 

Cricket's credibility was severely damaged by the match-fixing controversy between India and South Africa in 1999–2000. Numerous changes in the sport resulted from it, including the adoption of tighter anti-corruption regulations. The controversy, however, also called into question the fairness of the game and the susceptibility of participants to corruption.

Although the controversy continues to be a somber part in cricket's past, it also made the game more open and responsible. The changes that were made as a result of the scandal have helped to protect the game from corruption and ensure that it remains a fair and honest sport.

But, as we all know fixing and scandals in cricket did not stop even after this event. Let us know if you know about more such interesting stories in the world of cricket.