`Mobile' mystery laid to rest

A Dubai based Newspaper `Gulf News' has carried reports that after an extensive investigation it has solved the mystery over the ownership of the cell phone used by former Indian captain Mohd Azharuddin. The paper said "The number is registered with a Dubai-based businessman, who is also involved with cricket in a personal capacity." It said that the Phone number was found to be registered for the past six years with `Bluebells Shipping Company' managed by Pradeep Menon.

The investigations were carried on by the newspaper after an Indian fortnightly published a detailed report that Azharuddin had been contacted by his ex-teammate Ajay Sharma over a cell phone during the the Tri-Nation Series at Sharjah played between March 22 and 31 involving India, South africa and Pakistan. The magazine alleged that Azharudiin was contacted during India's matches with South Africa on March 21 and against Pakistan on March 23 and 26. The fortnightly also claimed that Ajay Sharma was being the mediator for his long time friend and the bookmakers.

Gulf News said that, when contacted, Menon confirmed of giving the mobile over to the Hyderabadi. Menon said "Yes, I did give Azharuddin my mobile phone during the Sharjah tournament," and added "There is nothing to hide. Azharuddin is an old friend and when he needed a phone, I gave it to him as a friend was in need and I helped him out, there is no hanky panky."

The report said that Menon was also the owner of the first-ever indoor cricket stadium in the Gulf region called Insportz Complex and claimed that Azharuddin made a visit to the sports complex two years ago, at the insistance of Menon and signed autographs for cricket fans. Menon also claimed that he knew Azharuddin for a long time. He said ``I even send my teenage son to Hyderabad for cricket coaching.''

Menon claimed that the phone had been registered under the company's name and that it had been along used as a spare line. He said "We use this for our operation staff as and when we need to. Otherwise, we keep it switched off."