Mongia denies match-fixing charges

Former stumper Nayan Mongia today expressed his dismay over having been charged with match-fixing in the CBI report, saying he was not even a member of the Indian team for the two matches stated to have been fixed in the report.

The report quotes former captain Mohammad Azharuddin as having told the investigating agency that Ajay Jadeja and Mongia fixed matches along with him.

Mongia, along with four other cricketers including Azharuddin and Jadeja, have been subsequently banned by the Board from playing international or domestic cricket pending an inquiry based on the report.

"His (Azharuddin's) statement is totally false," Mongia told PTI in Baroda today. "The absurdity of the allegation can be gauged by the fact that I was not a member of the team in the two matches referred by Azharuddin," Mongia said. "My record speaks for me. Since 1995, I have never dropped any catches or missed stumping chances in the matches I played for the country. "I am not a recognised batsman, so the question of my involvement in match-fixing or scandal does not arise.

"My inclusion in the team was as a wicket-keeper and I was doing my job perfectly and have played the game to the very best of my ability and skill. "I am always proud of representing the country, state or board," Mongia said. He denied having known any bookie or spoken to them over the phone.

He said it was unfair on the part of Azharuddin to drag his name into the controversy. "Without offering any evidence of any kind to back his statement, how can one make such allegations?" he asked. Mongia also denied that he had undisclosed wealth. "I don't have disproportionate income and all my properties have been accounted for," he said.

"I will put before the commissioner of inquiry (of the Cricket Board) K Madhavan, my case whenever I am asked to appear before him and I am confident of proving my innocence." Mongia said he hoped to be back in the national team. "It is a matter of great privilege to represent the country."