Ajay Sharma cleared in match-fixing case

A Delhi district court has cleared former India batsman Ajay Sharma of all charges related to match-fixing, and has asked the BCCI to allow him to take part in the board's activities and those of its associates. The court also asked the board to release his benevolent fund and allowance.

Sharma, now 50, had challenged the BCCI's appointment of K Madhavan as a commissioner to enquire into the match-fixing allegations in 2000, and his life ban imposed by the board's disciplinary committee. Sharma was banned after being found guilty of having associations with bookmakers, but he argued Madhavan's appointment was in violation of the rules and regulations of the BCCI.

"It's been a turbulent phase in my life for the past 14 years," Sharma told PTI after he was cleared. "It's hard for anybody, but now that the court has cleared my name of any wrongdoing, I can look forward towards starting a meaningful chapter in my life after all these years. Hope the stigma goes away.

"I have no bitter feelings against anyone. No regrets that my first-class career came to an abrupt end. I just want to look forward. Now I can at least watch my son Manan [Sharma] play from the stands during Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments. I would like to contribute meaningfully in Delhi cricket."

The court order also stated the BCCI will need to disburse Sharma's dues and he will be entitled to monthly pension.

"Hopefully, I will be getting all my dues as the court has cleared my name. I would also like to now share my experiences and technical inputs with juniors. I would be available if DDCA wants to use my services in any manner," Sharma said.

Sharma played one Test and 31 ODIs between 1988 and 1993, and scored 10,120 first-class runs in 129 matches at an average of 67.46.