Pataudi, Bedi for CBI probe into match-fixing

The one-man panel under the former Chief Justice of India had absolved Indian players of any wrongdoing, but the report submitted three years ago has not been made public.

Bedi was cautious: “I have a lot to say, but I will wait for the ICC action. I will wait and see how the ICC deals with the issue, as they are responsible people,” he said.

He favoured handing over the case to CBI. “I agree there should be an inquiry by an independent agency,” he said.

Bedi said having professionally accountable administrators will help to put a stop to any involvement of players in betting or match-fixing.

Pataudi said the Cronje affair was not the first crisis for cricket. “This game has seen crisis as far back as 40-50 years, since the Bodyline series, and the game has grown in popularity,” he said.

He rejected suggestions that cricket will lose credibility, saying “people may become cynical for some time but this great game will survive”.

Bedi supported Pataudi’s views: “I don’t think cricket is going through a crisis. Not by virtue of a single individual can this game be in crisis.”

Asked why all match fixing allegations arose from the Indian sub-continent, Bedi replied, “we have been callous and have not been following the game in the right spirit”.

The academy, jointly set up by SAI and Bedi’s cricket coaching trust, has selected 65 children in its first batch for a three-month training session.