fixing cricket matches

Given that Sri Lanka thrashed Bangladesh today in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, the India vs. Sri Lanka game becomes a virtual Super-8 game. Of course, India has to win to advance. Sri Lanka has played really well in the last 2 games, which may suggest that they are due for an "off" day. If India does win, I am sure there will be plenty of conspiracy theories and match fixing allegations. After all, India is currently the big cricket powerhouse, and a loss for India would mean a large loss in advertising revenue for the rest of the tournament.

I have always found it hard to understand the concept of "match fixing" as it relates to losing a cricket match. Unless several (at least 4-5) members of the team are together involved, it would be very hard to "fix" a match. I don't disagree that match fixing was a real disease in the 90's, but I wonder how much did it really affect the outcome of the games. I think that the fixing happened with individual players who were given big bucks to limit how much they score or how many wickets they take. If 1 team member is paid to "fix" the match, he could possibly get out early if he is a batsmen or try to not take a wicket if he is a bowler. But so many players have "off" days even without the intent of fixing the match. Agarkar would be a case in point. He bowls at least 3 "hit-me" balls in every over. Hmm... I wonder if Agarkar has been fixing matches throughout his career!! :-) But we have won matches inspite of routine failures from many of the top players. Keep in mind that the players cannot fix every match, because they have to maintain a high average and maintain a place in the team.

I do hope India wins on Friday... else they will be "fixing" their homes that will be destroyed by the Indian cricket "fans".