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Dev believes Sreesanth should be made an example of if he is found guilty

Former India captain Kapil Dev has announced that any player who is caught tarnishing cricket’s image and integrity in any way whatsoever should be severely “punished” in order to send a message and prevent other players from making the same “mistakes” in the future.

Dev noted that India pace bowler Sreesanth, who is currently being investigated for having been involved in match-fixing activities during this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), should be made an example of is he is guilty.

“I think you have to be ruthless so that the boys cannot do such a thing,” Dev said. “If Sreesanth has done something as stupid as that, the repercussions for it are well known around the world.

“Look at what happened to those cricketers from Pakistan… If you can’t learn from other people’s mistakes, you should be punished.”

Dev added that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should be using some of the country’s cricket “superheroes” to help educate the younger generation about the dangers of match-fixing or taking banned substances.

“Competition is increasing,” Dev said. “Pressure is increasing. And people make mistakes…This game has given us superheroes. You could give the examples of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble. If a young boy has to understand cricket, he should look at a better sportsman.”