(Thumbnail Image: News of the World)

BY CHARLES MCKEAGUE

“World Cricket for the first time since the turn of the millennium is facing its biggest threat from spot fixing and match fixing.” (MSN India)

Outrage in Pakistan and throughout Europe as the sport of cricket is exposed. All caught on camera — now media outlets in Pakistan, India and Europe are having a field day.  With some of its best investigative journalism, News of the World posted shocking video revealing members of the Pakistan cricket team were being paid to "no ball".

MAJEED: “The no-balls are the easiest, there they are the most clearest. There is no signal nothing. These three are definitely happening. They’ve all been organized.”

ANNOUNCER: “No ball is the call. Front foot is over. Oh it’s a big no ball!”

ANNOUNCER: “If his left foot lands there, he’s way over. … We’ve seen a couple of big no balls today.”

After the match the fixer was paid by the undercover reporter big cash stacks — more than £150,000 total.

What could be even more damaging than video proof Pakistan was rigged? If India were involved too. The Fixer, Mahzar Majeed said he gave his fixed information to an Indian betting syndicate and got in return millions of dollars. On MSN India, a source in India expresses concern over the allegations.

“In this case this Indian dimension which has just come out is the most worrying factor. I’ve been trying to speak to the hotel authorities, the London metropolitan police authorities, the ICC, and everybody wants to nab this at the very start. And they are worried because India is the biggest financial powerhouse of world cricket and they know that they have the money, they have the financial muscle and they have the fire.”

But it’s Pakistan that is bearing the brunt of the scandal as the country’s credibility and reputation take a major blow.  On Pakistan’s The Express Tribune Pakistani former captain says this could crush the sport in Pakistan.

“Well it’s going to tremendously hurt Pakistan cricket. There is no respect for Pakistan cricket and cricketers. We’ve become the laughing stock of the world. … And as a result there are teams not willing to play against us.

Many are calling for prison terms — the firing of the cricket oversight committee — and a lifetime ban for Pakistan.  A writer for The Huffington Post writes that cricket is too important in Pakistan and a lifetime ban would be devastating.

“For millions of Pakistanis, cricket is more important than life or death.  It is Pakistan's rope to the world.  A chance to show how great they are at a tremendously demanding and skillful sport.  Add one more disaster to a nation seriously down on its luck.”

A Pakistani court summoned seven players the cricket chief and the sports minister for treason but the court process could take several years. But what do you think? Should Pakistan be banned for life?