Ban them for life if guilty, says Gilchrist

Australian cricket ace Adam Gilchrist has called for life bans if the players arrested for their alleged role in spot-fixing in the ongoing IPL are found guilty.

"For my mind, any player found involved in any implications where they are proven that they have handled illegal bookmakers' bets or whatever, there is no place for them in the game whatsoever ever again. It's so clear now; we are so knowledgeable on this, there is no excuse.

"So, if proven guilty, the harshest penalty from a cricketing point of view should be applied, and that's banned for life," Gilchrist said.

Errant Indian pacer Sreesanth and two other bowlers from the Rajasthan Royals team were arrested in a post-midnight operation in Mumbai on Thursday by Delhi Police for spot-fixing IPL matches, for payments of up to Rs 60 lakh just for giving away pre-determined number of runs in an over.

A special cell of the Delhi police arrested Sreesanth and his teammates -- Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan – for indulging in spot-fixing in at least three IPL matches as per arrangements with bookies who have underworld connections abroad.

Gilchrist, who plays for Punjab Kings XI in the IPL, said ignorance can no longer be used as an excuse.

"It's one of the most disrespectful things that anyone could do as a fellow cricketer. They are affording such disrespect to their peers by doing this. There is absolutely no excuse for this in this day and age," he was quoted as saying in the media.

"The talk of players being naive or not understanding of the ramifications, that is rubbish. Everyone is so well-educated now."