Dhoni wants harsh punishment for those guilty of fixing

Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Sunday called for harsh punishment for the Pakistani players if found guilty in the spot-fixing scandal.

Three Pakistani players -- Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif -- have been named for their involvement in spot-fixing in the fourth and last Test against England at Lords'.

Dhoni said the fixing allegation has brought disrepute to the game.

'Definitely harsh decisions need to be taken, otherwise soon people will start blaming the entire cricketing fraternity,' Dhoni told NDTV.

'It's sad what has happened with the Pakistan team. Investigations are going on. Something like match fixing or spot-fixing doesn't only restrict to the people who are doing it or the side they belong to. People start associating it with the whole fraternity which means all cricketers whichever team you're playing for.'

Dhoni said it is unlikely that any Indian player could be lured into taking money for fixing.

'The kind of effort we put in the field, I can't even think about it. End of the day what's the money all about? There's a bracket on money, after that whatever money you earn you'll still eat the same, go in the same car,' Dhoni said.

'All cricketers come from middle class backgrounds so they are aware of the situation. I think most of them want to play for the country and get the fame. They are clever enough to know that money is bound to come if you are playing cricket for India.'

'I believe the struggle they go through in the starting phase of their career teaches them really well and that they don't think about the money. You have already gone through the harsh part of life, travelled through sleeper class, and at times in a bus with no reservation or nothing. I feel most of the cricketers go through it. I don't think anything like that will happen in the Indian team.'