Cross-examination continues for the second day

The cross-examination of the five players and physio continued for the second day running at the Radisson Hotel in Chennai. With Manoj Prabhakar having been grilled for over three hours on Saturday and Ajay Sharma sending a message that he was indisposed, Ajay Jadeja, Nayan Mongia and Ali Irani are the three expected to be questioned on Sunday.

Talking to reporters during the lunch recess, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Commissioner of Inquiry, K Madhavan said that he had no information yet on the former Indian captain Mohd. Azharuddin's appearance. Madhavan added that another opportunity would be given to Azharuddin to appear before him.

Rumours floated that Azharuddin had arrived in the city and when asked if he would question Azharuddin if the latter arrived sometime today, Madhavan categorically stated that he would not be able to give time for the former captain as he was fully tied up with others. Besides, he was leaving for Delhi by the evening flight. The Hyderabadi player has remained elusive ever since the CBI report was made public.

Earlier on Saturday talking to reporters, Madhavan at the end of the gruelling sesion with Prabhakar, said "Players or administrators who are not found guilty as per my report will be allowed to go free by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India)." He also said that Manoj Prabhakar had gone away with a 'happy frame of mind' after the inquiry and added that his role was limited to finding out if there was any misconduct on the part of players and administrators.

When queried if players who have been given a clean chit in the CBI report would be re-examined, Madhavan said "if necessary, such persons will also be examined." On foreign players, Madhavan clearly stated that they don't come under his purview though the BCCI would assist the agencies if requested by them.

Madhavan made a final point stating that "I can assure you that I will be neutral. I am used to these kinds of jobs. I will make my observations to the BCCI as early as possible. I have not formed any opinion on the CBI report."

Meanwhile, in a local court in Lucknow a case of 'treason' against the five tainted players and the physio has been lodged on Saturday. District Judicial Magistrate Navneet Kumar fixed November 17 as the date for the first hearing after an unnamed petitioner filed the case saying "match fixing and betting was an act of treason and betrayal."

In New Delhi, Shiv Sena party activists attacked a beauty parlour owned by Manoj Prabhakar's wife in Greater Kailash, New Delhi. Police spokesman said that they threw stones and several window panes in the parlour and a car parked outside was damaged in the attack. He added that five Sena activists were arrested after the incident. No one was hurt in the attack but the incident almost led to a stampede, a witness said.

AFP quotes Sena leader Jai Bhagwan Goyal as saying that "This is the beginning of our crusade against corruption. The corrupt are traitors and they should be hanged." He added that "Shiv Sena supporters are upset over the manner in which these cricketers have fooled the entire nation."