South Africa players involved in match-fixing scandal might face lengthy bans

The latest reports from the ongoing investigation into the match-fixing scandal. According to this weekend’s Sunday Times, at least one former Proteas player faces a lifetime ban. The reports have not included the names yet but it does mention that those involved will be facing a lengthy ban of 20 years. At least one former Proteas player faces a lifetime ban.

In January this year, the news broke out on South Africa cricketers being involved in match-fixing during the Ram Slam T20. There were huge names involved including former Lions, Titans, Dolphins batsman Gulam Bodi who confessed his involvement in match-fixing and was slapped with a 20-year ban, five of which were suspended. CSA had stated that Bodi was caught “at a planning phase” and that no fixes took place.

The 37-year-old former international, an all-rounder who won three caps for South Africa in 2007, was charged on 31 December. He confessed in interviews with anti-corruption officials last week and his punishment was announced during tea on the fourth day of the final Test against England.

At the time, Bodi’s Lions team-mate Thami Tsolekile was also implicated. As reported onsports24.co.za, investigations into another two Lions players, batsman Alviro Petersen and bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe, are now complete.

The match-fixing investigation came up from last year’s Ram Slam T20 Challenge in which the Titans beat the Dolphins in the final. When contacted on Sunday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said they were unable to comment on the matter as the investigation was still ongoing.