‘One can keep the game clean if their conscience is clear’ – Virender Sehwag reacts to IPL betting scandal

Former swashbuckling batsman Virender Sehwag said on Friday it was up to the individual players to keep away from activities such as betting and spot-fixing after the scourge resurfaced during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday.

The dark underbelly of IPL was exposed again after three people, including an insider with pitch access, were arrested at Kanpur for allegedly running a betting racket during Wednesday’s IPL match between Delhi Daredevils and Gujarat Lions.

“You can’t stop all these things. It’s the player’s responsibility whom he wants to meet. It’s my wish whom I want to meet. If my conscience is clear then I can help keep the game clean too,” Sehwag said here when queried on the subject.

“You can keep enormous security, but they can’t stop anything if the player wants to do something (unlawful). It’s the player’s own responsibility to ensure that no one questions your integrity,” said the one-time dashing batsman at a meet and greet session organised by 92.7 BIG FM.

“If anyone makes any comments about me (allegations about betting), then during my playing days I would have said I will retire. Now (if someone makes allegations) I would say wipe off all my records. If players …read more