Madhavan completes round one, says Kapil may be questioned

"I have completed 55 per cent of my work so far as the inquiry is concerned. Only the report has to be written," said the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) anti-corruption commissioner K Madhavan in Chennai on Sunday. He said the report would be handed over by November 29 to the BCCI.

Talking to reporters at the conclusion of the two day cross examination of three of the five players, Manoj Prabhakar, Ajay Jadeja and Nayan Mongia along with former physio Ali Irani, Madhavan said "I have faithfully recorded the players' statements, mostly in defence of the CBI's accusation against them. In addition to what they told me, I have asked what I wanted to ask." He added "I have enough material to put out my report."

He however said "It is human nature for anyone to defend himself. I have a duty to consider their submissions. I will not hesitate to call even persons who have not been indicted by the CBI in its report," he replied to a question on whether those examined gave additional information.

In what could be termed as a curious turn, the former CBI joint director did not rule out the possibility of summoning Kapil Dev for questioning and would also like to have a chat with master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

Madhavan said "Kapil Dev would be questioned on the basis of 'evidence' given by the cricketers, including Manoj Prabhakar and added that he would also talk to Tendulkar as he seemed to know certain things." He said "I will not hesitate to talk to Tendulkar to get the name of the Board official." In the CBI report, Tendulkar has stated he had informed a Board official that he suspected some players of being involved in match-fixing.

On what he would suggest in the report, Madhavan said "I will also include in my report to the BCCI, a suggestion that they take up with the CBI through the Government of India, the introduction of suitable laws in order to curb misconduct by cricketers in future." He added that the CBI was presently unable to chargesheet those allegedly involved as the law did not permit it in these cases.

He also said that he would examine Board President A C Muthiah in the wake of the observations in the CBI report that the Board did not take action when rumours of match-fixing did the rounds and seek clarification from him. Madhavan said "Muthiah will be examined in his capacity as the president of the BCCI and he might have to convene a Board meeting soon before answering my queries"

Asked whether the report would be made public, Madhavan said his role was to put the facts at the BCCI's disposal and it was left to the Board to decide whether or not to make it public. While he replied that he did not have powers to punish the guilty though he is in the position of a judge. Madhavan said "I am playing the role of a judge, but I do not have the powers to punish the guilty. The BCCI will decide on it based on my analysis after cross examination of witnesses."

On Azharuddin who still remains elusive, Madhavan said "Azharuddin had told me that he is not in a position to appear as he has not been supplied with a copy of the CBI Report. I had told him that it will be given." He added that Azharuddin had not contacted him after that. However, Madhavan said he would issue fresh summons to Azharuddin and will examine him in New Delhi if the latter appears. "I will give him another opportunity," he said.

With cross-examination over and the players having been given the opportunity to talk about their role in the saga, it is left to the former CBI joint director to clear the air of uncertainty on the players. As for the Hyderabadi player who was once loved and adored by many, the sooner he surfaces, the better for his image and the game in particular. The Board too which has criticised the CBI report for partially indicting them for the mess has to clear itself from the allegation. It will be interesting to see if the Madhavan report is made public for it may lead to a further twist in the already murky scenario.