Indian news round-up

Informal meeting discusses formal matters: The Board of Control for Cricket in India's core committee meeting at the CCI on Saturday was an informal one but the issues discussed were very serious indeed. The action pending over former Board president Inderjit Bindra's criticism of the Board's working and his allegations about its officials were discussed. Board president AC Muthiah disclosed that Bindra will be given an oppurtunity to explain himself before the disciplinary committee in January. A firm decision will be taken after his disclosure to the committee, he added.

The President dissociated himself from the on-again off-again Pakistan tour, stating that the External Affairs ministry was dealing with the matter. The issue of over-aged players in junior tournaments was also discussed and several members including Kamal Morarka put forth their views on the seriousness of the matter. The President also expressed his intention of complementing the Board's staff at its headquarters in Mumbai. The Executive Secretary will be assisted by a Media Manager and a Commercial Manager. He added that the candidates have been short-listed and should be appointed early in 2001.

Tendulkar and Agarkar to play at Kolhapur

District Collector of Kolhapur, Arvind Singh said on Monday that Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and all-rounder Ajit Agarkar will play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy West Zone league against Maharashtra at the Shivaji Stadium from December 29 to January 1.

Speaking to Press Trust of India in Kolhapur, Arvind Singh said "The cricket lovers of this western Maharashtra city will get a chance to see their favourite players in action after a gap of fifteen years when the last first class match was held here."

The chief of the Kolhapur District Cricket Association (KDCA), Bal Patankar added that all the necessary arrangements have been made. He said "The sale of tickets too has been very encouraging and we are expecting a full house."

Govt within its rights to withdraw Arjuna awards, says Uma Bharati

The Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Uma Bharti said in Pune on Monday that the Government was within its rights to withdraw the Arjuna Awards bestowed on the tainted cricketers. But she however added that the Government would not take any hasty decision.

Speaking at a sports function at the Nehru stadium, Bharti said that the players indicted in the CBI match fixing report have been given 15 days time to explain their position and after going through their replies, the government would take the appropriate steps.

Uma Bharti also said that the Government was in consultation with the Law Ministry to frame specific rules to deal with the menace of match fixing sternly. She added that a meeting of top sports federation administrators would be convened in the near future to suggest foolproof measures to check match fixing.