Mohammad Asif who was life banned from playing cricket after his involvement in spot-fixing controversies finally surfaced in 2010 has years later opened up about what makes this one of the most talked about things circling the world of cricket.

Asif revealed a lot of insight into the ‘bookie-culture’. He revealed that a bookie first develops a relationship with the player, which requires a number of years. The fast bowler also informed that there is a ‘bookie mafia,’ which is based in India but it has spread its roots elsewhere, including Pakistan.

Speaking to media Asif said, “If need be I can come and lecture youngsters against dangers of corruption. I wasn’t involved for 2 years in my case, but the bookie (Majeed) was involved with Butt for the past 2 years.”

“There is a mafia of these bookies and they are spread all over the world. The bookie mafia is based in India which is common knowledge. But it’s spread to Pakistan as well, so this is not confined to India anymore,” he added.

Looking back to time some 7 years back, a number of no-balls bowled during the fourth Test match between England and Pakistan in 2010 forced the ICC to look at matters related to cricket and betting more seriously and the gentleman’s game was never the same again.