Paul Radley is a sports writer who has lived and worked in the UAE for many years and this is his first book.
I’m sure it won’t be the last. Because this book is a fascinating read, almost like a fast-paced crime novel at times.
Although the events on the pitch are described in some detail, the time spent looking at the backgrounds of the players involved and their place in the history and society of UAE cricket helps the reader better understand the events that devastated the country. It’s possible. I dream of playing in the World Cup.
I had no idea about the rewards players in that area received, but assumed it was more lucrative than it was in reality. The author makes a very good point that cricketers at this level are more likely to be tempted. Because it is worth doing. The money currently offered to top international players and franchise cricketers around the world is such that it is difficult, if not impossible, to lure them in some cases.
The UAE scandal and the way it unfolded and was subsequently handled has never, to my knowledge, been covered in this much depth. I ended the book feeling sorry for former Scotland, England and Warwickshire all-rounder Dougie Brown. The highly-rated coach, who once held the role at Derbyshire, took his national cricket team to No. 12 in the world rankings before seeing his team collapse. In a fascinating and insightful book, his thoughts on his team and his role in T20 cricket are astounding.
But I also felt sorry for cricket in the area. Once damaged, people will never look at it the same way. I know that the scandals surrounding the IPL in the past have changed my attitude and interest in the IPL. Defamation is difficult to shake off, no matter how connected you are.
It’s a shame that I had to write this book like so many others this year, but it’s a huge credit to Pitch Publishing that they took on this book.
For doing so, they should be applauded.
This is a very good read.
Playing to Fix: From the Streets of Dubai to the Edge of the Cricket World Cup and Back Written by Paul Radley and published by Pitch Publishing
