Cheating in sports can take many forms, but two of the most well-known are match-fixing and spot-fixing. While both involve manipulation for personal gain, there are important differences between the two. Match-fixing involves pre-determining the outcome of an entire event, while spot-fixing targets specific moments or events within a match. Here is a closer difference between match-fixing and spot-fixing.
What is Match Fixing?
Match fixing implies the illegal practice of planning and arranging the outcome of a match before it has been played. The match-fixing business has grown exponentially and into a lucrative one. Match fixing is not easy to pull off. It heavily depends on the team of 22 players on the field, along with 2 additional umpires. The team’s coaching staff play a major role l making it an added challenge. Nevertheless, there are cases in which just a single player can perform extremely poorly under the pretence of a bad day and this can affect the entire team's result. Any player actively caught attempting to hamper the overall outcome of the game can be charged. It is less prevalent in the higher stages of sports, due to how easy it is to spot. However, it is still prevalent in lower tiers of sports. It Is the potential profit that often outweighs the risk factor making it so prevalent among teams and players.
What is Spot fixing?
Spot-fixing on the other hand is the act by which a particular part of the game is engineered without hampering the overall outcome of the game. Spot-fixing usually involves a player agreeing before the game, to perform in a certain way or carry out a certain act during the game. It could be something as simple as giving away a few runs during an over or bowling a wide intentionally. Players and bookies communicate with each other during the match through subtle actions, body language and signs. The players indicate to them when they are going to carry out a certain act using items of clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Players often use these subtle ind
ications at the beginning of an over to make bookies aware. It is common for players to perform certain stretches before an over as an indication as well. Despite being comparatively more discrete and easier, spot fixing is just as harmful to the sport and the overall spirit of sportsmanship. Spot-fixing is relatively easier to carry out. It involves just one or a few players which is comparatively easier to manipulate and exercise control over.
Shared difference between match-fixing and spot-fixing?
Bookies often carry out several months of research and scouting in order to find a vulnerable player. They then proceed to lure them in with enticing offers and deals. Weak players often fall prey to such corrupt practices. This causes immense damage to their own careers as well as to the outcome and performance of their entire team. Match-fixing or spot-fixing if caught, can cause irreparable damage to the reputation and credibility of a player or team. The consequences are often harsh and can lead to temporary suspensions or in severe cases even permanent bans and hence should be avoided at all costs.