Cricketers have been given time to explain: Bharti

The three tainted cricketers have been given only 15 days time to explain their position before the Government will consider whether the Arjuna awards conferred on them should be withdrawn, Union Sports Minister Uma Bharti said in Chennai on Saturday.

Bharti, who arrived in the city on a private visit, told mediapersons at the airport that a fortnight's time had been given as it was the democratic right of the tainted players - Mohammad Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja and Manoj Prabhakar - to come forward with their viewpoints.

"Withdrawing an award is a serious matter. It is also a dishonour. Therefore, you must give them (the tainted players) time to come out with their version," she said.

Asked if the Government also proposed to take action to seize the properties of some players following the raids by the Income Tax authorities, she said the report from the Income Tax authorities which raided the houses of some players and BCCI officials was still awaited by her department.