Centre to order CBI probe into charges

On his part, ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya said he backed any form of inquiry the Government might launch into match-fixing allegations, but called for a specific time-frame to address the controversy.

Meanwhile, when asked how the Government proposed to go about the inquiry as allegations have also come up against Board administrators, Dhindsa said "the Government will take a decision on its own course. Not on BCCI advice".

Asked specifically whether handing over the job to CBI was being planned, he said "it is under our consideration".

The Minister, who had called the high-profile meeting, said he was not in a position to give much details on the method of probe as the Parliament was in session.

The Minister said he had personally assured controversial former all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar full protection if he came out with the name of a former teammate who he has alleged tried to bribe him to play poorly in 1994.

"I spoke to Prabhakar today. If needed we’ll give protection to him. He has asked for one or two days and said he will meet me by then," he said.

Asked whether Prabhakar mentioned the name to him, Dhindsa replied in the negative and said "I can’t force him".

The Minister said the Cricket Board has committed to share all documents or information available with it, including reports of tour managers, with the Government on the issue.

Dhindsa said all those who had evidence on match-fixing should make it available and the Government would provide adequate protection to them. "However, irresponsible or unsubstantiated allegations should not be made because they tarnish the reputation of individuals and affect the image of cricket", he said.

Asked whether there would be any time-frame attached to the probe or whether cricketers would be asked to disclose their assets and what his own view was on the whole betting and match-fixing controversy following the meeting, Dhindsa said all these aspects would be decided once the meeting was reviewed.

International Cricket Council President Jagmohan Dalmiya, in his capacity as former BCCI secretary, BCCI president A C Muthiah and Secretary J Y Lele, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Mohd Azharuddin were among those who attended the meeting.

Earlier, Dalmiya urged that any inquiry should bring players, administrators, managers and coaches into its ambit and that more stringent punishment be handed down to administrators than players if found guilty.

"There should be a time-frame of 30 to 60 days within which the probe should be completed. Whoever has a complaint or allegation, should take it to the commission, even if it is a CBI inquiry, within that period.

"I suggested that those found guilty can be proccededagainst as per prevailing law or even fresh law can be made to take action. Whatever protection is required can be given to those who come clean with names," Dalmiya told waiting reporters after taking part in the meeting called by Sports Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa to discuss betting and match-fixing allegations in Indian cricket.

Dalmiya, who clarified he attended the meeting only as a former BCCI secretary, said the public felt let down due to the allegations against Indian players and officials. "They want a more transparent inquiry. Even if BCCI tells the Government, you appoint an inquiry, we’ll cooperate, it is construed as a cover-up".

BCCI president A C Muthiah said the Board had offered whole-hearted cooperation and was ready to support any form of inquiry the Government proposed to launch, be it the Delhi police or CBI. The BCCI only wanted a probe by an authority properly set up, he told reporters.

He admitted any probe by BCCI into allegations against Indian players and administrators may not yield much dividends as the Board did not have any powers. "What is our authority? What are our powers," he asked.

Muthiah said if an official agency took up investigation, it will have access to Interpol etc.

The BCCI chief said he gave a complete appraisal of BCCI’s activities at the meeting. "It was a serious meeting and we were able to know the Government’s view. The Government is keen on dealing with these allegations (of betting and match-fixing).

Defending Indian performances that have come under criticism following the debacle in the recent Australian tour and in Tests against South Africa at home, Muthiah said former skipper Sunil Gavaskar himself explained to Dhindsa that India had won the under-19 World Cup this year. "Our win ratio also is not that bad," he said.

Asked whether he supported inquiry into the assets of players, Muthiah countered: "Why only cricketers. If there is any such move, it should be for all sportsmen. It can be something like filing income-tax returns".

Muthiah said in the ICC meeting at Lord’s on May 2 and 3, his stand would be for official investigating agencies taking up the probe in all countries grappling with allegations of corruption in the game.