Cricketers talk about it freely off the record, but, when asked to give evidence, have even withdrawn sworn affidavits at the last minute. As bribery is left unchecked, cricket's reputation becomes more tarnished by the day. They have connections with important government figures and sports administrators. Connections to players are highly-prized. But he is an exception.
Most bookies have to rely on hard cash for their player contacts.
One big Lahore bookie, Raja Sahib, has his office above a snooker hall in the exclusive residential area of Gulberg. In it are comfortable chairs, a deep carpet, television sets and bottles of Johnnie Walker Black Label. On the bookie's desk are rows of telephones. Dawood's base in Dubai is an ideal place from which to influence the countless games that take place in neighbouring Sharjah, a kind of Monaco of the Middle East. Questions were asked after the Champions Cup was staged in Sharjah in April thisyear.