Fixing menace can be curbed by educating youngsters: Whatmore

Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning coach Dav Whatmore says the 'fixing' menace can be curbed by proper education of youngsters.

The former Sri Lanka and Bangladesh coach, who took charge of the junior Bengal cricket team on Monday, said: "We need to educate the younger lot about this (fixing). There is a 'minority few' who are involved in this. I am sure we can reduce this, even if it's not totally eradicated."

Urging the stalwarts of the past to come forward and take the lead, the Australian said, "I always believe good and strong leaders, like Imran Khan, should come forward and take charge in all respects of the game."

Whatmore said the guilty should be punished heavily.

"I always have a positive mindset. I strongly believe with the negatives all around, there is always something positive. There is an independent inquiry going on with an arbitrator in place. There would be appropriate punishment."

He further defended the International Cricket Council and said the apex body is doing every thing in their capacity.

"We should not use the word, ICC, so loosely. It's a body formed of various countries and has limitations. They are doing as much as they are allowed to do."

Asked to comment on the latest Sri Lankan link-up with the 'spot-fixing' episode, the former Lankan coach said: "I was with them long ago. I don't know who it is."

Pakistan captain Salman Butt and pacer duo of Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer's roles in the recent Lord's Test against England are being probed by the Scotland Yard and the ICC.

During the Lord's match, Asif and Aamir allegedly bowled three no-balls after taking bribes from a bookie. Imran said such things did not happen during the 10 years when he was at the helm of the Pakistan team.

Also the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, Whatmore said their new recruit Mohammad Irfan, a towering 7-foot-1-inch tall Pakistan pacer, is very impressive.

"Obviously, he has impressed us very much so we have made such a move. He has an imposing figure and a good athlete. He is also a very good teamman."

Earlier in the day, former India opener W V Raman took charge of the senior side.