It's cricket in between the lull

Ever since the match-fixing scam broke nearly eight weeks ago, there has not been a day that the story has not made the headlines. Given this scenario, there was a comparative lull on this front even as a storm broke in the ongoing Asia Cup in Dhaka. The lull meant there was no new 'tehelka' in the form of video tapes or interviews, allegations and counter allegations. Even the routine press conferences to break something new or the denials from various quarters came as a damp squib. After all, since 'Hansiegate' broke on April 7, it has been a case of "Yeh Dil Maange More" (this heart wants more).

The Manoj Prabhakar vs Kapil Dev episode did not hit the headlines for the first time in many days. Instead, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has closed in on the former Indian player Ajay Sharma. They have collected sufficient evidence to nail the Delhi player's links with bookies relating to match-fixing and betting.

"The investigations so far indicate that Ajay is having close links with certain top bookies and his involvement in match-fixing is also likely," said quotes from a news agency. Ajay Sharma is at present in England playing league cricket for Padiham Cricket Club. The sources added "Ajay Sharma is an important link and we will shortly be questioning him." His contract with the club ends this September.

The CBI were however in for a surprise as Mumbai police denied possession of the tapes supposed to be with them. The CBI had sought the tapes which were said to have some conversation recorded between Indian players and some bookies during the 1997 Titan Cup. Recently in the video tapes seen in New Delhi the then Additional Commissioner of Police, Rakesh Maria had said that the Mumbai police were in possession of the tapes.

Meanwhile, Prabhakar's advocate Nidesh Gupta said he has not received any notice sent by Kapil's counsel. Gupta said "We would respond only after going through the contents of the letter." He added "We have seven days to respond to the notice and I intend to make use of that time." He confirmed that the controversial tapes have not been handed over to the CBI as yet, but said they would be in due course. "The evidence that we have in our possession would force some of the players and administrators to tell the truth before the CBI as well as the court," felt Gupta.

Indeed, if anything, the politicians made their stand clear on the match fixing issue. Speaking to the press in Mangalore, Congress (I) leader and former BCCI president Madhavrao Scindia said that there is 'no truth' in the allegations on match-fixing and betting in cricket. He said "there is absolutely no truth in the allegations, and added he had written to present Board President AC Muthiah on the issue.

In New Delhi, BJP general secretary Venkaiah Naidu on behalf of his party called for a "time-bound and thorough" probe into the allegations. Naidu said his party wanted the present lot of Indian players' names to be cleared first. He said "The cloud of suspicion should be taken out of their heads at the earliest, so that they can concentrate on playing and hold their heads high."

Echoing the sentiments expressed by former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, Naidu said the records of the players should be erased by the ICC and banning them for life is not enough. Asked to comment on whether Indian coach Kapil Dev and Azharuddin should step down till the investigations are over, Naidu said "No, not at all."

So with the focus, for a change, shifting to the Asia Cup, one hopes that the weather will improve and the game will go on. Or is this the proverbial calm before another storm? In the meantime, let's say 'Jo chahe ho jaye 'Asia Cup' enjoy' (whatever happens let's enjoy the Asia Cup)!