But the UCB's announcement was important for its symbolism. It formally marks Cronje, as much as Justice Qayyum marked Salim Malik in May, as a pariah. It was not immediately apparent yesterday whether, in the very unlikely event that Cronje ever came to Australia on cricket business, the Australian Cricket Board would also enforce the ban on him. But since Australia has worked so assiduously to take and hold the high moral ground on match fixing, it would be foolish of the ACB if it did not. The likelier possibility is that an Australian media company would sign Cronje, figuring that a voyeuristic public would hang on his every leaden word.
Some media outlets are famous for their attitude that scruples are for others.
Already, Cronje has given a paid interview and, reportedly, books and movie deals are on the table. If Cronje wants redemption, he can have it by accepting the ban and beginning a new and different life, connected to cricket only by the example he will become to future generations of players of the folly of putting a quick buck ahead of a short single. Meantime, life must mean life. Privacy Policy Copyright 2000.