Strong reaction in India to Bacher's allegation

The Indian connection seems to be never ending in the on going probe into match fixing allegations whether in India, South Africa or elsewhere. The UCBSA managing director Ali Bacher's testimony before the King Commission that the World Cup match played in England last year between India and Pakistan was fixed has created a furore in the country. Officials have come down strongly on the statement even as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has said that it would look into the charges.

Talking to a news agency, CBI spokesman SM Khan said "the disclosures made by the South African cricket chief Ali Bacher that the super-six game between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan was fixed is only an allegation.'' Khan said "Bacher's statement is still an allegation but if there is any link of an Indian player in this particular game, then we will investigate and verify it." A CBI probe is already on into separate claims that Indian cricketers were involved in fixing international matches and Khan added "We will ask for the King Commission report if it is required to help our investigations."

Reacting strongly to Bacher statement's that the World Cup match was fixed, BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele said ``How can a match between India and Pakistan be fixed when both teams are out to get one another. Pakistan was keen on beating India because they had never beaten us in the World Cup."

The then Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad said he did not believe that there was something wrong in the match. He said "Pakistan was keen on beating India because they had never beaten us in the World Cup. It was a very competitive game and Pakistan fought hard before going down adding "I went to the Pakistan dressing room after the match and the players were very depressed by the defeat."

Former Test player Brijesh Patel, who was the manager of the Indian team on that tour said in Bangalore that the allegations were false. He said "We played all our matches fairly." BCCI president AC Muthiah was not available for comment.

Meanwhile, the CBI re-examined former Indian opener-turned commentator Navjot Sidhu for over 90 minutes in New Delhi. Sidhu after deposing before the officials refused to speak saying ``The matter is subjudice, I cannot reveal anything." Senior officers speaking to an Indian newspaper said Sidhu had not shifted from his earlier stand. Sidhu, who met the agency earlier, had denied that Kapil Dev had made any offer to Prabhakar.

Meanwhile, examining the cell phone calls made by a Delhi player, the probing agency said they have come across some more names adding "We will summon him when the time is ripe."