A Critical Review of Not Quite Cricket by Pradeep Magazine
To my friends, it’s not unknown that I grew up idealising Sachin Tendulkar, the God of cricket in India and the world! Though I was not aware enough to understand the impact and even existence of such a book when it came out in 1999, a revisit was long due – Not Quite Cricket by famous sports journalist Pradeep Magazine. As an ardent cricket enthusiast who has followed the game for decades, I find Not Quite Cricket by Pradeep Magazine to be both a revelation and a deeply unsettling read. Published in 1999 and later updated in 2000, this book delves into the murky underworld of cricket match-fixing, a topic that has long been whispered about but rarely addressed with such depth and conviction. A veteran sports journalist, Magazine draws from his personal experiences and investigative efforts to expose the nexus between bookmakers, players, and administrators, making this book an essential read for any serious cricket follower.
The Author’s Background and Perspective
Pradeep Magazine’s career in sports journalism spans decades, with his tenure at Indian Express and The Pioneer placing him at the forefront of cricket reportage. His deep involvement in covering international and domestic cricket grants him a unique perspective, lending authenticity to his findings. His first-hand encounters with bookies, cricketers, and administrators make this book more than just an academic inquiry—it is a personal journey into the heart of the sport’s integrity crisis.
Book Structure and Content Overview
The book comprises a preface, sixteen chapters, and an epilogue structured to systematically unveil the corruption layers within cricket. Magazine begins with the 1999 Hansie Cronje scandal, using it as a gateway to broader issues plaguing the game. His narrative weaves personal experiences, interviews, and documented evidence to illustrate how deeply entrenched match-fixing is within the sport.
Key themes include:
- The Influence of Bookmakers: The book highlights how betting syndicates operate and how they have infiltrated cricket at multiple levels.
- Player Involvement: Magazine discusses the direct and indirect participation of players, referencing names implicated or suspected.
- Administrative Apathy: The book heavily criticises cricket boards, particularly the BCCI, for their inaction and alleged cover-ups.
- Media Complicity: Journalists, too, are implicated, with some acting as conduits for bookies, either knowingly or unknowingly.
- The Role of Money: The commercialisation of cricket, while beneficial, has also created avenues for unethical practices.
Investigative Depth and Revelations
One of the book’s most striking aspects is its investigative depth. Magazine does not merely rely on hearsay; he provides transcripts, anecdotes, and interactions that build a compelling case against those involved.
Among the most shocking revelations are:
- His encounter with a bookie during the 1997 West Indies tour, where he was offered money to facilitate contact with Indian players.
- The Chandrachud probe’s failure to bring meaningful change, effectively acting as a cover-up.
- The involvement of several high-profile cricketers, including Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja, as mentioned in multiple sources and reports.
- The Rashid Latif tapes, which suggest deeper involvement of Indian and Pakistani players in fixing.
- The Outlook magazine story that accused multiple Indian players, stirring a major controversy.
Style and Narrative Approach
Magazine’s writing is direct, journalistic, and unflinching. He maintains a first-person perspective, offering readers an insider’s view into the world of cricket journalism. His tone is neither sensationalist nor detached; instead, he balances presenting facts and sharing his frustrations with the system.
His ability to blend investigative journalism with personal narrative makes Not Quite Cricket an engaging yet sobering read. Unlike typical cricket books celebrating the sport’s heroes and triumphs, this book forces readers to confront its darker realities.
Impact on Cricket and Public Perception
At the time of its release, Not Quite Cricket was groundbreaking. It coincided with major match-fixing scandals that shook the cricketing world, particularly in India, South Africa, and Pakistan. The book contributed to a growing discourse on the need for stricter regulations and accountability within the sport.
This book serves as a painful but necessary awakening for fans like myself, who have idolised cricketers and cherished the game’s purity. It forces one to question past matches, improbable performances, and the authenticity of historic wins and losses. It also raises concerns about whether enough has been done since the book’s publication to cleanse the sport of corruption.
Well, the only shining silver lining for me in this book was Sachin Tendulkar’s integrity and devotion to the nation and the game he played! The author unequivocally discusses Sachin’s firm rejection of any (if they existed) lures to fix the game. The legendary batsman even goes ahead and tells Magazine to report any such contact by bookies to the police. Though the book’s and Star News’ breaking report did impact the cricket careers of a few big names in Indian Cricket from the early 2000s and around, we cannot deny their involvement in fixing (if we cannot firmly establish). However, the tapes and the investigation did lead in the direction where we could see bucks stopping with the likes of Azhar, Jadeja and a few others.
Critique and Limitations
While the book is thoroughly researched and convincingly written, it is not without its limitations:
- Lack of Concrete Evidence: The book does not provide irrefutable proof against many accused individuals despite its strong assertions. Much information is based on interactions and second-hand accounts, leaving room for doubt.
- Focus on the Indian Context: While the book does address global issues, its primary focus remains on Indian cricket. A broader international perspective could have added further depth.
- Repetitive Themes: Some chapters reiterate similar points about corruption, which, while reinforcing the argument, could have been more succinctly presented.
Before I go to sleep!
Not Quite Cricket is an essential read for any serious cricket fan. It is not just a book about match-fixing but an inquiry into the game’s soul. The book is distressing and enlightening for those who have grown up watching cricket with reverence.
Despite its limitations, the book remains one of the most authoritative accounts of cricket corruption. It serves as a warning that the game we love is only as pure as the forces governing it. Suppose there is one takeaway from Not Quite Cricket. In that case, cricket, like any institution, is vulnerable to greed and corruption—but awareness, vigilance, and accountability can help restore its integrity.
Interested? Get a copy from Amazon India – click here to buy the book now!
Review by Ashish for Thoughtful Critic
Not Quite Cricket by Pradeep Magazine, a book review
Summary
A blast from the past! Interesting and intriguing storytelling, serving as an eye-opener and timely reminder (rather refrain in our lives) – everything is up for sale; you just need to bid it right!