Bodi has been banned for 20 years after admitting to the charges against him
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Former South Africa cricketer Gulam Bodi has been banned for 20 years by Cricket South Africa after he admitted to “contriving to fix, or otherwise improperly influence aspects of the 2015 Ram Slam T20 Challenge Series”.
However, five of those 20 years will be suspended given that Bodi commits no further offences and participates in education programs regarding corruption in the sport.
“Under the circumstances, we are satisfied with the sanction. All we have to do now is comply,” Bodi’s lawyer Ayoob Kaka told ESPNcricinfo.
Even though Bodi has been banned, Cricket South Africa confirmed that their investigation is still ongoing as there are other players still under investigation.
However, Bodi, who is not allowed to participate in any international or domestic matches or any other cricket activity except anti-corruption programs, could still be investigated by the police should Cricket South Africa decide to launch a complaint.
“It will be up to CSA to decide whether they launch a complaint,” Kaka said. “We’ve co-operated with them so we are not too worried about that.”
Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat called Bodi’s ban “appropriate” as he had damaged the reputation and image of the sport.
“CSA thoroughly considered all the relevant factors and determined that a lengthy ban was appropriate,” Lorgat said. “Our attitude to corruption will always be one of zero tolerance.
“There is no doubt that Mr Bodi’s actions have threatened the integrity and image of the game that we love and he must be handed a strong punishment.
“We have had many discussions with Mr Bodi and he accepts the folly of his actions.”
Lorgat also revealed that Bodi was caught in the “planning stage” of trying to fix domestic matches in South Africa last year and added that the ongoing investigation may last “weeks, months or even years”.
“We are fortunate in this instance that several players rejected his approaches and, as a direct result of our integrity processes, which include CSA and SACA player education programmes, the matter was brought to light and meticulously investigated,” Lorgat said. “There are no winners in this sort of ill-fated and unfortunate matter. However, all of us in the cricket community must learn from this experience and remain vigilant.
“We expect that that Mr Bodi himself will learn and will actively assist us in reminding players of the dangers of corrupt behaviour.”