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The story of how a mysterious stalker tried to bribe cricketer Irfan Pathan, and the reason why we are unlikely to see the Baroda boy in a scandal

Irfan Pathan (in red) with brother Yusuf. Pic/Subhash Barolia

It is the story of two star cricketers -- Irfan Pathan and Mohammed Asif -- one from India and the other a Pakistani. Both had several things in common. Apart from being good bowlers, they shared modest backgrounds, and grew up the hard way.

Pathan grew up and honed his cricket skills on the streets of Baroda in Gujarat. Asif, on the other hand, played gulli cricket in Sheikhupura on the Punjab side of Pakistan.

Different reactions
Mohammad Asif is now charged by the ICC under their anti-corruption code, over alleged irregular behaviour in relation to the fourth Test against England.

Disgraced Asif allegedly accepted the bait offered by Mazhar Majeed. Pathan stood his ground as an honest cricketer and refused to succumb to temptation. According to sources in the ICC, Pathan was regularly approached by an unidentified person while he was in London.

The stranger claimed he was one of Pathan's ardent admirers and stalked him regularly in the hotel lobby.
Actually, the ICC should have spotted the stranger who stalked Pathan. These are some of the methods used by match fixers to trap cricketers.

"Once you accept a bribe, it is over. Then, everything falls in place," said a cricketer who wishes to remain anonymous.

The first temptation
After a few days of exchanging pleasantries, the stranger arranged to send a consignment of cricket accessories to Pathan's room. He told the fast bowler that it was a token of appreciation from him.

The goods wrapped in packages could be worth a few lakh in the European market.

A distraught Pathan rushed to inform the matter to a star senior cricketer, who asked him to report the matter to the manager, who in turn informed the ICC. He was asked to keep off the package as it was suspected of containing deadly explosives.

The incident also points to the able leadership in the Indian team. Clearly, what the Pakistani cricketers lacked in Mohammed Asif's case.

Nobody really knows what happened after the matter was reported to the ICC's anti corruption unit.

Sunday MiD DAY mailed the ICC anti-corruption unit for their comment on the issue. "We cannot discuss individual activities or information given to the ACSU. The process is confidential. So, we can't confirm or deny such a claim," was the reply.

"With regards to being approached by a 'stranger', I cannot reveal anything to you from here (Sydney) over the telephone, and unless I meet you in person. I also need to consult the BCCI to reveal anything of this sort, if it happened," said Pathan.

No confirmation or denial
However, Pathan did not deny or confirm the approach made by the "stranger". Irfan Pathan is in Sydney (sent by the BCCI) for a "long standing injury".

His CT scan, MRI reports and further investigations by Dr John Orchard (sports physician) revealed to the team physio (Paul Close), now holidaying in UK, suggest that Pathan needs to be in Sydney till September 11. His rehabilitation may lengthen his stay. It could not be confirmed, but in Australia, Pathan may have been in regular touch with his girlfriend Shivani Dev, who he is to marry in Baroda.
(With inputs from Bipin Dani)