Bookie Gambler Fixer Spy, my book on cricket corruption, has largely been well received (he says modestly). Save for the slanging matches on Indian TV, and the odd trolls on Twitter, the detractors have been few and far between.
But at the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award on Wednesday when BGFS was nominated but was eclipsed by the superb Doped by Jamie Reid, someone had a pop. It was telling.
The sniper was Andrew Flintoff. During a Q&A I was asked about the risks involved in meeting with those who stalk India's underworld and the scourge that threatens the sport. Flintoff's response to Robbie Savage, who was standing next to him, was to mouth "knob".
We'll give Flintoff the benefit of the doubt here, due to the very fact that he was standing next to Savage. After all, it must be difficult not to tell him what you think of him every five minutes.
Alas, Freddie, on duty as a Hills ambassador, was not impressed with yours truly and I'm beginning to think I was the door handle. He followed it up with: "If that was true he'd be dead".
I know this because my publisher, Charlotte Atyeo, was standing next to the 6ft everything Flintoff. The 5ft nothing Charlotte proceeded to do her best finger-wagging impression of Mike Gatting versus Shakoor Rana, telling him exactly what she thought of his view and the content of the book. "You haven't even read it, have you?"
Flintoff shrunk a little and, to his credit, promised that he would go off and buy a copy (hardback please) but his imediate, gut reaction to corruption in his sport was typical of those that have played it. And that is why I relate the story.
One of the greatest myths about fixing is that it is conducted by mafia hoods who will use intimidation and violence to get their way.
It has been spun to such an extent by anti-corruption units and player associations in an attempt to scare players witless so they never, ever consider getting involved.
Unfortunately, they have merely encouraged terror. So frightened are they of these shadowy folk that players refuse to speak out, something which this war on corruption cannot be won without.
One of the most uncomfortable truths about fixing is that in India it is being conducted by ordinary folk who have a relationship with a player and/or a betting account/relationship with a bookie.
They are punters who are looking for an edge, desperate to beat the system. It is that very ethos which binds Indian society, whether you're talking betting or not. It is there in every walk of life.
Sure, there are some who might get nasty and the hand of D-Company is at play. But most of the time it's people like You. People like Me. I'm being serious. Deadly.
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