CBI hands over much awaited report to Dhindsa

The Central Bureau of Investigation handed over the interim report on betting and match-fixing to the Union Sports Minister SS Dhindsa in New Delhi on Monday. The report contains the agency's inquiry into the scandal.

Following mounting pressure from all quarters, Dhindsa ordered a CBI probe to go into the scam on May 2. The agency which proceeded with the inquiry then questioned players - former and present, officials and bookies. This was followed by a nation-wide income-tax raid on them. The tainted players were then axed from the Indian team for the ICC KnockOut Tournament and Champions Trophy in Sharjah.

Meanwhile, Dhindsa said that he will seek a legal opinion on what possible action can be taken against those 'found guilty' in the interim report. Talking to reporters in Chandigarh on Saturday, he said "I will seek legal opinion on possible action against those found guilty in the CBI report to restore faith of the public in the most popular game of the country." The minister, however, said "the legal avenues explored initially have expressed doubt on the conviction of players allegedly involved in match-fixing."

Dhindsa said though it was for the cricket board to decide what action to take against the "erring" players and officials once the names were made public, the ministry was also exploring the possibilities of "punishing" them in order to restore faith in the game and promote a healthy sporting culture in the country."

On India's proposed tour of Pakistan later in December, Dhindsa remained non-committal but linked the trip with trade and other areas. Dhindsa said "The cricketing ties will go along with ties in trade and other areas." This statement assumes importance as some senior Pakistani players were planning to personally meet the Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to allow resumption of cricket matches between the two countries.