Former English batsman Kevin Pietersen admits that players accused of match-fixing or consumption of drugs should be banned for life and do not deserve a second chance. He feels that if a player underperforms in return of money, he is guilty of breaching the code of the game. Mohammad Amir should be banned for life was his verdict but Pieterson also warned England players and fans against provoking the Pakistani bowler when he makes a comeback to Test cricket this Thursday. Mohammad Amir was banned for 5 years after he was charged with spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England back in 2010 and Pietersen was a part of the team which played Pakistan in that particular match.
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As per the reports of The Telegraph UK, he said, "They have broken the rules, should pay the price and not be given a second chance”
Pietersen admitted that players who under-perform in return of money fool the spectators and the sport, "If you cheat the system either by taking drugs or money to under-perform then you are mugging the spectators, your teammates and a sport that has been around a lot longer than you.”
The South Africa-born cricketer feels that everyone deserves to get a second chance but not in sports. He feels lucky to be playing a sport he loves and enjoys his life as a cricketer, "People always deserve a second chance in life but sport is different. We are paid to play a sport we love and are damn lucky to lead the life of a professional cricketer.”
"To try and gain an advantage by taking drugs or devaluing your sport by being bribed is breaking the 11th and 12th commandments. There can be no way back." remarked Pietersen stating that match-fixers are guilty of polluting the sports and breaking its rules.
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Pietersen feels that the English team and fans should not sledge at Amir for their own good, "(Trevor Bayliss and Alastair Cook) will realise that riling him is not a good option. If he were a batsman it would be easier to sledge him because all 11 players could get on top of him and give him some verbal abuse. But as a bowler he has the power. If you rile him and he takes three wickets in five balls then you look like a chump, so the England players will not be focused on Amir’s past." said the 36-year old cricketer.
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