India protests to ICC over Bacher's allegation

An explosive week followed by a relatively dull weekend temporarily summed up events in the match fixing scandal. But things hotted up again on Monday following India's official protest against Ali Bacher's allegation. As a matter of routine, there were customary statements from some quarters including one from former Indian captain Mohd. Azharuddin, BCCI president AC Muthiah and BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele.

Indian cricket board officially lodged a protest to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over UCBSA managing director Ali Bacher's claim that India's World Cup win against Pakistan last year was fixed. Speaking in Chennai, AC Muthiah said he has notified the ICC against Bacher's allegations. Muthiah said "I have already notified ICC seeking action against Bacher, who withheld information from the games' governing body but revealed it to a commission probing corruption in cricket."

Former Indian player Prashanth Vaidya deposed before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for over two hours in New Delhi on Monday. In a surprise twist, Vaidya told reporters "I have denied the statement made by Prabhakar and I have nothing to do with matchfixing. I have not been witness to any commotion between the players." Prabhakar had stated that Vaidya, Sidhu and Mongia were present when Kapil allegedly made him the monetary offer in Sri Lanka in 1994.

Earlier on Sunday, BCCI secretary JY Lele in an interview to a newspaper stood by the players. Lele said "earlier, Mr Dhindsa made some comments about Kapil Dev, and now he is saying that any player who has allegations made against him should stay away from cricket till his innocence is proved. Mr Dhindsa knows that the BCCI is an autonomous body and it is the priority of its selection committee to choose the best possible side for the country. The Minister's statement implies a direct interference in the functioning of the board. The BCCI president, Mr AC Muthiah, has stated time and again that unless it is proved that a player is involved in match-fixing, the BCCI cannot act just on the strength of the allegation."

Lele said that if action is taken based on these allegations, then there would be more such wild charges. Lele opined that "If Mr Dhindsa's statement is to be accepted, then any name raised by any person for match-fixing should not be considered for the national side. It is surprising that ministers are giving so much importance to Cronje, who alleged that Azharuddin had introduced him to a bookmaker. This does not mean that Azharuddin is involved in matchfixing. Eminent legal experts have already stated that this cannot be taken as evidence in a court of law." He added that "The BCCI will not spare Dr Bacher for his continuous onslaught against India at the ICC meeting." Lele also expressed surprise over similar remarks expressed by the Minister of State for Sports Shahnawaz Hussain.

BCCI's vice-president Arun Narayan said he was not in favour of withdrawing players named in connection with the match-fixing till the CBI completed its investigation. Narayan however said he favoured banning players whose involvement in corruption was proved and erasing their performances from the record books.

Meanwhile, Azharuddin said that there was no such thing as match-fixing in cricket. He reiterated his stand that he would be sending notices against Hansie Cronje's allegation that Azhar introduced him to a bookie. Azhar said the notices to former Indian captains Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, allrounder Manoj Prabhakar, Outlook magazine, a website, Mumbai-based Mid Day and fast food giants McDonalds would be sent by his counsel Mahesh Jethmalani on the lawyer's return from abroad.

Talking to a news agency on Sunday, Azhar said he doesn't know why Cronje named him. Azhar said "I really don't know why. My lawyer would be sending him a notice along with others. In that particular Test series, I hardly interacted with the South Africans. I can't explain but I know this is a much larger game-plan, a conspiracy with the sole intention to malign me. Particularly in the last two years, I had a feeling of being victimised."

Asked about his opinion on match-fixing, Azhar said "An inquiry is going on. Let's wait for its conclusion. As far I know, there is no such thing as match-fixing." Claiming that he was victimised, Azhar said "There is a lobby of jealous former cricketers who want me out of the team." Azhar also urged the board ``to take action against players who stoop to any level for deriving cheap publicity."

Meanwhile, Income Tax Commissioner Vishwa Bandhu Gupta made some serious allegations. Talking to the press on Sunday, Gupta asked the investigation authorities to probe the players' alleged links with mafia. Gupta said "during the Mumbai blasts, the Mumbai police tapped several conversations between cricketers and the mafia people which were not investigated."

Goan Deputy Chief Minister and Goa Cricket Association (GCA) president Dayanand Narvekar said he was in favour of criminal immunity for players and officials who come out with the truth in the scandal and that he would be writing to the centre to press the issue.

Meanwhile, Joint Commissioner of Police (crime) KK Paul said the Delhi Police is not likely to send any official to attend Tuesday's hearing of the King Commission. Also, Mukesh Gupta named by Cronje as the bookie introduced to him by Azhar, is yet to be traced.

In Mumbai, former Australian captain Greg Chappell, on a private visit, made some pertinent points. He said "I think the scandal has shaken the faith of the people in the game. It's disappointing, but is not the end of the world. It seems it is more widespread than previously believed. Some high-profile players seem to be involved.'' Chappell was optimistic though and said "At the end of it all it is the players who are involved in it who are going to suffer and not the game. Cricket is big enough to survive the turmoil provided there is commitment within the community to get rid of this malaise. The game will emerge stronger. Ten years from now, it (the scandal) will be a blip on the radar screen and a sad chapter. But it will not be the end of cricket."

One hopes that Chappell's statement comes true. After all, actors may change and curtains may fall, but the show does go on.