IPL spot fixing: Hope cricket will return to normalcy soon, says Srikkanth

MUMBAI: Former India skipper Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who is one among the 13 contestants on the sixth season of TV dance reality show 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa', is deeply saddened by the IPL spot fixing scandal and hopes that the mess will be sorted out soon.

"I am sad, hurt and shocked. Everybody loves and is passionate about cricket. It is very unfortunate that because of a few cricketers who did this stupid mistake, the whole thing turned out to be so sad," Srikkanth told PTI.

The Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Sreesanth, his Rajasthan Royals teammates -- Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan -- on May 15 for allegedly indulging in spot-fixing in atleast three IPL matches held this season.

Later, Bollywood actor Vindoo Randhawa, son of late wrestler-actor Dara Singh, was arrested in connection with the IPL spot-fixing scandal followed by CSK's team principal Gurunath Meiyappan, former players and several bookies.

But the ex-chief selector is happy that the police and even the BCCI are conducting a probe into the scandal.

"Once all these things (investigations) are done then the mess will be cleaned up. At the end of the day we cricketers are here because of public and thanks to them that we are famous and make money. All the cricketers are fair except a handful of them. Cricket will come back to normalcy on its own because of the corrective measures taken," he said.

Considering cricket is considered as a religion in India, Srikkanth feels one cannot disrespect it.

"I am a firm believer of truth. I believe in 'Satyameva Jayate' and truth will always prevail. I hope things will get sorted out at the earliest," he added.

When asked if betting should be legalised, Srikkanth said, "I don't want to go deep into this aspect. I played cricket for the passion of the game. I think 99 per cent of the cricketers sacrifice a lot of things - their life, family and studies - they just want to play for India."