Pumelela Matshikwe, born on October 13, 1987, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a former right-arm seamer who had a promising career in cricket before his involvement in a match-fixing scandal abruptly ended it. Matshikwe, a hard-working and dedicated cricketer, made his mark in provincial cricket but struggled to break into the franchise level.
Matshikwe completed his schooling at St David’s Marist College and went on to attend the University of the Witwatersrand. He received his first opportunity to showcase his talent in the 2008-09 season when he made his provincial debut for Gauteng. However, despite his impressive performances, he could not secure a place in the Lions franchise, which limited his chances of progressing further.
In the 2011-12 season, Matshikwe was selected to be part of the Impi squad, the seventh franchise team added to South Africa’s T20 competition. Comprising of the best provincial players who had yet to establish themselves in the franchise setup, the Impi squad provided Matshikwe with an opportunity to prove his worth. He emerged as their leading wicket-taker, taking 11 scalps at an average of 23.27, which placed him 11th overall in the tournament.
Despite his impressive performances for the Impi squad, Matshikwe continued to struggle to break into the Lions franchise. However, his perseverance paid off in the 2015-16 season when he finally became a regular member of the Lions, particularly in their victorious one-day campaign. During the tournament, Matshikwe showcased his talent and was the second-highest wicket-taker for his team, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 29.36.
Just as his career seemed to be taking off, Matshikwe’s involvement in a match-fixing scandal resulted in a major setback. In the 2015-16 Ram Slam tournament, he received a payment to fix a match, leading to his ban from cricket for ten years. However, three years of his sentence were suspended, adding a glimmer of hope for a potential return to the game in the future.
Matshikwe’s ban not only shattered his dreams but also tarnished his reputation as a talented cricketer. His involvement in the match-fixing scandal served as a reminder of the dark side of the sport and the temptations that can lead players astray. It is a regrettable chapter in his life that he will have to overcome if he ever hopes to revive his cricketing career.
Pumelela Matshikwe’s story serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring cricketers, highlighting the importance of integrity, honesty, and ethics in the face of numerous challenges that the sport presents. Although his career ended on a sour note, Matshikwe’s dedication and talent had the potential to take him to great heights in cricket. It is now up to him to reflect on his actions, learn from his mistakes, and rebuild his life and career in the aftermath of the scandal.