Gulam Bodi faces further criminal charges by CSA apart from 20 years ban

Bodi was charged of counts of attempting to fix matches on December 31 last year following an investigation conducted by CSA's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit.

Johannesburg: Notwithstanding a 20-year ban imposed on him by Cricket South Africa, Indian-origin player Gulam Bodi still faces criminal charges under the country’s anti-corruption laws, which were introduced after the 2000 match-fixing saga involving the late Hansie Cronje. Commentators here have been largely critical of the 20- year ban on Bodi after he admitted charges of contriving or attempting to fix matches in the 2015 RAM SLAM T20 Challenge Series, the only domestic series broadcast live across the globe. Bodi was charged with several counts of contriving or attempting to fix matches on December 31 last year following an investigation conducted by CSA’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit. READ: Gulam Bodi banned by CSA from all cricket-related activities for 20 years

Under the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Code for Personnel, Bodi had until January 18 to respond to the charges. The former Proteas player admitted guilt which led to CSA banning him for a period of twenty years from participating in, or being involved in any capacity in, any international or domestic match or any other kind of function, event or activity (other than authorised anti-corruption education or rehabilitation programmes) that is authorised, organised, sanctioned, recognised or supported in any way by CSA, the ICC, a National Cricket Federation or any member of a National Cricket Federation. READ: Gulam Bodi revealed to be cricketer involved in Ram Slam T20 match-fixing scandal as ring-leader

Five of those years are suspended on condition that Bodi commits no further offences under the Code and demonstrates to CSA’s reasonable satisfaction that he has actively and constructively participated in corruption-related player education programmes when asked to do so. But commentators here felt that the admission of guilt by Bodi was a ploy to protect the player from criminal prosecution which could lead to large fines or even a jail sentence if he is convicted. “The decision by Bodi to cooperate in the continuing investigation by CSA and the ICC might be a kind of tactic on his part to avoid criminal prosecution by showing some level of remorse,” said a former teammate and friend of Bodi on condition of anonymity.

About the Author