Saleem Malik: Pakistan’s First Cricketer Banned for Match Fixing

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Saleem Malik was also among Pakistan’s most innovative and most consistent middle-order batsmen. He made his debut in 1982 and played for Pakistan in 103 Tests and 283 ODIs, totalling over 12,000 international runs. He even led Pakistan and was admired for his under-pressure playing ability.

But in 2000, his reputation and career went into tatters when he was banned for life, the first Pakistani cricketer to be banned for life on charges of match-fixing. The ban followed a long investigation that shook the image of Pakistani cricket to its roots.

The Karachi Test Bribery: $200,000 to Bowl Wide

The most shocking allegation against Malik surfaced from the 1994-95 Test series against Australia, specifically the Karachi Test. Australian legends Shane Warne and Tim May testified that Saleem Malik offered them each US$200,000 (around NZ$296,000) to bowl poorly.

Warne recalled the incident years later, stating that Malik asked both him and May to bowl wide of the stumps and avoid taking wickets on the final day, ensuring Pakistan’s win. Both players refused the offer and reported the incident to the Australian Cricket Board.

Initially, these claims didn’t lead to serious consequences. However, in the late 1990s, with more match-fixing scandals emerging, Pakistan initiated an official judicial inquiry.

The Qayyum Report and Life Ban

In 1998, the Pakistan government appointed Justice Malik Qayyum to lead a judicial inquiry into corruption in cricket. The inquiry lasted over a year and included interviews, phone records, and player testimonies.

In 2000, the Qayyum Report concluded that Saleem Malik was guilty of attempting to bribe players and of being involved in fixing matches. Based on this report, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) handed him a lifetime ban from all forms of cricket.

The report stated:

“There is sufficient evidence to hold that Saleem Malik has been guilty of the offences of match-fixing, betting, and attempting to bribe cricketers.” – Justice Malik Qayyum Report.

The Ban Lifted — But No Comeback

In 2008, after years of legal battles, a Lahore civil court lifted the life ban on Malik, ruling that he had not been given a fair chance to defend himself. Malik celebrated the verdict, expressing hope to return to cricket as a coach or mentor.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board never fully reinstated him. Despite the court’s decision, the PCB cited the findings of the Qayyum Report and maintained its stance against re-engaging him in official roles. His applications for coaching roles and commentary jobs were either ignored or rejected.

Malik’s Response and Attempts at Redemption

Over the years, Saleem Malik has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. He claims the allegations were exaggerated and politically motivated. In recent years, he has publicly apologized and even participated in anti-corruption training, trying to clear his name.

In 2020, Malik expressed his frustration:

“If I’m guilty, punish me. But if I’m not, let me work with the PCB like others who were named in the same report.”

His attempts to return to cricket, however, have remained unsuccessful.

Legacy and Impact

The Saleem Malik case was one of the earliest and most high-profile examples of match-fixing in international cricket. His fall from grace shocked fans and triggered wider investigations into corruption in the sport.

Today, Malik remains a symbol of how even the most talented cricketers can fall due to unethical choices. The scandal also led to stricter anti-corruption rules in cricket and the establishment of dedicated units, such as the ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU).