Cronje gets a breather before final hearing

There was a temporary halt to the final lap of the King Commission which was to have commenced on Tuesday. The commission was expected to cross examine former South African captain Hansie Cronje. The crucial hearing was important to find out answers to questions which came out during the testimony last week. Cronje needs to explain to both the South African and Indian authorities about his links with the bookies. India has in fact said it has taken steps asking the South African government for extradition of Cronje. The day had its quota of reactions as usual from various quarters.

Cronje can spend another 24 hours peacefully before he is examined by the commission. In extra-ordinary circumstances, the examination has been postponed over a legal wrangle due to the Judge Edwin King's decision to prevent live television and radio coverage. Commission secretary John Bacon informed the media that "the inquiry would be put back by yet another day because a bench of the Cape Town High Court had not yet reached a decision about the decision by Judge King to ban live television and radio coverage of the ongoing inquiry." A decision is expected by this evening.

In India, former Indian manager Ajit Wadekar deposed for the second time before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi today. Wadekar was summoned by the agency following his statements to Manoj Prabhakar which were secretly video taped.

Earlier, Union Sports Minister SS Dhindsa said "The Sports Ministry, CBI and Delhi police are in close touch with the South African government to facilitate Cronje's extradition to India." Cronje faces charges against him on match-fixing and betting in the country. Talking to the press on Monday in New Delhi, Dhindsa added "government to government talks were taking place but the procedure for the sacked South African captain would be taken care of by CBI." Even as Dhindsa claimed that talks are on for Cronje's extradition, the South African Government denied having received any request from the Indian authorities for Cronje's extradition to India to face criminal trial.

Dhindsa also expressed surprised when asked about BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele's reaction's where he had said the government was interfering in BCCI affairs. Dhindsa said "where is the question of interference. I have given the suggestion to them personally. Lele is the only person who thinks it is interference." Dhindsa had suggested that both officials and players should keep away from playing the game till they come out clean in the match-fixing issue.

Dhindsa who attended the meeting with the board officials and players said "I had asked them during the meeting on April 27 to give me a report about the existing code of conduct for players in the light of the match-fixing scandal and told them to make it more strict if there were any loopholes in it." He added the BCCI had promised to give the report in three month's time.

Lele talking to a newspaper said "The Board had nothing to do with the ongoing match-fixing controversy following disgraced South African skipper Cronje's revelations." Asked about Azharuddin's likely deposition before the King Commission, Lele said "it is a matter between the South African and Indian governments and the Board is not in the picture."

Meanwhile, the South African inquiry commission probing the 'Hansiegate' scandal said it is yet to hear from India over the tape involving Cronje and Indian bookies. John Bacon said "a request for the tape had been made in the third week of May but nothing had been heard from the Indian government so far. I suppose these things take time because they have to go through the diplomatic channels. We will have to wait and see."

Replying to a query on whether Azhar would be asked to appear before the commission, Bacon said that "We have not yet looked at the situation of international players who have been named. Once Cronje's cross-examination is finished and after taking into account whatever further disclosures are made regarding international players, we will have to discuss the matter".

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said he was willing to share information and ready to testify before the CBI. Talking to a TV Channel, Latif said "I have lot to tell which can help CBI in conducting the inquiry." Only yesterday, Latif had volunteered to appear before the King Commission.

Finally, the postponement came as a sort of anti-climax to the dramatic inquiry where Cronje and alleged bookie Cassim were supposed to have deposed. For Cronje, he has an extra day as a breather for he was expected to have been grilled following his confession last Thursday. His chances of immunity lie in how he convinces the commission. In addition he also has to give evidence to support his allegation against Azharuddin. As a Portuguese proverb says - "He who is well prepared has half won the battle." An extra day might have given Cronje that much more time for being prepared.