Decision on players left to BCCI: Dhindsa

Saturday's statement by Union Sports Minister SS Dhindsa seems to suggest that the Government has diluted its stand in the match fixing scandal.

Talking to reporters in Chandigarh, Dhindsa said that players allegedly involved in match fixing should step down on moral grounds. He has been harping on this point for months. However he also said that the Sports Ministry has no plans to take any action on any of the individual players alleged to be involved in the scam. He added it was for the authorities concerned - the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Income Tax (IT) department - to initiate action against individuals or officials on the basis of their respective findings.

However, Dhindsa said the decision on the players has been left to the BCCI. He said "The action against players found to be involved in match fixing will be taken by BCCI". On the proposed code of conduct which the Indian Cricket Board has framed for the players and coaches, Dhindsa said copies of the new code of ethics would be sent by the board to him by August 19. He also reiterated that the Government had no intention to take over the control of the BCCI.

Meanwhile, the UCBSA has confirmed in Johannesburg that suspended players Herschelle Gibbs, Henry Williams and Pieter Strydom will have to appear before the three member disciplinary committee on August 19. IANS quoted UCBSA chief Ali Bacher as saying "The UCBSA believed it was prudent not to convene the disciplinary hearings until after the commission's interim report was released. However, when Justice (Edwin) King handed this report to the government on Friday, he indicated that the hearings should go ahead."

All the three players had lied to the UCBSA in the matter. But later appearing before the King Commission, they admitted that they had been approached by former South African captain Hansie Cronje with monetary offers to throw matches. Cronje in fact had said during his testimony that he used his power and influence on these players and that he was solely responsible for their actions and pleaded that his colleagues be let off.