Dalmiya asks for time-bound probe

“I suggested that those found guilty can be procceded against 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 public felt let down due to the allegations against Indian players and officials. “They want a more transparent enquiry. Even if BCCI tells the Government, you appoint an inquiry, we’ll co-operate, it is construed as cover-up”.

BCCI President AC Muthiah said the Board had offered whole-hearted co-operation and was ready to support any form of inquiry the Government proposed to launch, be it the Delhi police or CBI. 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. 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.

The BCCI has also assured the Government that it would prepare a vision document, a five- year long-term development programme, and submit it in the next three months. Muthiah gave the assurance at the meeting.

Muthiah said he gave a detailed presentation on BCCI’s steps for development of the game.

BCCI assured review of the current code of conduct for players in the wake of betting and match-fixing allegations while it was suggested that players and officials should consider a voluntary scheme for declaration of assets.

Muthiah, who said declaration of assets cannot be imposed on cricketers alone but should be uniform for all sportsmen, however felt drawing up a contract for players might be difficult.

“If we have a contract, it makes players employees of the Board. Most of them are employed with various firms. This is one aspect we have to study,” he said.

Those attending the meeting also suggested greater level of professionalism in the management of BCCI.