BCCI considering `action as never seen before’ against cricketers

NEW DELHI, NOV 29: Strict action may be taken by the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) against cricketers involved in fixing of cricket matches and other malpractices. At a special meeting, BCCI Chairman A.C. Muthiah said that the board is considering punishment “stricter than any other ever given in any such case” for all those involved in match-fixing, namely Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja, Manoj Prabhakar and others.

The meeting that was called to apprise the media about the findings of the CBI inquiry into the case went on for more than five hours. The board is also considering the inclusion of Nayan Mongia’s name since it also come up in the inquiry.

On a question regarding stripping the players off their achievements and records, the board said: “It is not possible keeping in mind the past record of players.” It also said that the board was not trying to defend anyone but would definitely give weightage to the past record of cricketers.

K. Madhavan, who was appointed to look into the CBI probe by the BCCI, briefed newspersons on the findings of the inquiry and discussed the report in detail. Madhavan said the board would take legal advice on its further plan of action since Azhar was planning to go to court.