Match-fixing is a national crime: Uma Bharti

Following certain remarks from various quarters of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials who have expressed support for some players named in the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) report on match-fixing scandal, the Union Sports Minister Uma Bharti has said that match-fixing is a national crime. Coming down heavily on the fixers, Bharti said "match fixing in cricket as a national crime since it involved the honour of the country and the feelings of millions of its citizens."

Replying to questions during a meet-the-press programme in Bhopal on Saturday, Bharti hoped that the BCCI would take a final decision by next week on the players named in both the CBI report and BCCI's anti-commissioner K Madhavan's report for their alleged involvement in the scam.

Replying to a question whether a cover-up on the issue has begun, Bharti said there was no cover-up and she would ensure there was no such thing in the probe into match fixing. She also said there was no pressure from the Union Defence Minister and Samata Party leader George Fernandes on her ministry to help clear Ajay Jadeja's name from the match fixing scandal. Bharti asserted "I do meet Fernandes regularly to discuss various matters since he happens to be a senior minister but he has never mentioned Jadeja's name to me."

A meeting with the officials of the ministries of law, home and external affairs apart from the CBI and ED would be held next week, she said. Bharti said "all the matters pertaining to match fixing would be discussed by officials following which a decision would be taken on whether the guilty players can be prosecuted or not."

On India's proposed tour of Pakistan which was cancelled, Bharti said that the decision was taken by the ministry of external affairs. The Minister said "It is the external affairs ministry which decides on the country to which an Indian team can be sent to play and my ministry has nothing to do with it." She added "The government's stand on the issue has received a lot of support from many cricketers."

Bharti also said that the BCCI could voice its opinion on the tour but reiterated that the ministry would not reconsider its decision. She however made it clear that the Indian team can play its neighbours elsewhere.