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| Thursday,
May 24, 2001, Chandigarh, India    |
Explain your status, HC asks
BCCI ICC anti-corruption unit backs
CBI World Cup defeats to be probed:
PCB |
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Bhutia’s transfer
plan in doldrums Maharashtra enter semifinals Resolve M Waugh case:
ACB |
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Indian eves beat
Wales 4-0 Anand lifts trophy ‘Sports Commission’
releases report Wrestling squad Madhuban to be ‘sports district’ SSCB cancels leave of
players SAI to
upgrade Rai school Students honoured |
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Explain your status, HC asks BCCI New Delhi, May 23 A Division Bench of chief Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice D.K. Jain also asked BCCI counsel Kapil Sibal to state the nature of relationships which similar boards have in other countries with the ICC. The court’s direction came after Additional Solicitor-General K.K. Sud filed an affidavit, saying the Central government does not provide any funds to the BCCI, nor does it exercise any control over the board. The BCCI is an autonomous body registered under the Societies Registration Act. The judges said when the BCCI selects a team for playing cricket abroad, it is called the Indian team. “So how come the BCCI is not accountable to the Central government?” They asked. Mr Sibal assured the court that he will file the response alongwith ICC rules by July 25, the next date of hearing. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking independent investigation into the BCCI functioning and accounts for the past five years. It calls for ensuring that the BCCI accounts are audited transparently by the Comptroller of Audit General (CAG) and the board functions primarily for the promotion of cricket. The PIL says the board officials should not function as private empires of some businessmen and traders who have come to control and abuse cricket for their own interest and profit. The BCCI and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) have acquired a monopoly status by virtue of government recognition and patronage, the PIL added. Only 5 per cent of 3,500 DDCA members have ever played cricket. Petitioners Rahul Mehra and Shantanu Sharma said accounts show the DDCA recorded sale of Rs 33 lakh on liquor in 1998-99 which is nearly five times the total expenses on coaching and promotion of cricket expenses over the past 11 years. It may be noted that the BCCI spent Rs 65 lakh for committee meetings in the same year and Rs 40 lakh for travel, they said. But coaching expenses were less than 2.2 per cent of the expenditure. The BCCI profits have been climbing at the rate of 59 per cent per year and totalled Rs 8.37 crore in 1998-99 compared to Rs 5.06 lakh in 1987-88. Listing several instances of discrepancies in sale of TV rights by the BCCI, the PIL said there is no transparency in the manner in which the bids are invited and contracts are awarded. “The politics prevailing in the BCCI has almost led to seriously harming the entire selection process of national cricket team. It is reported to have resulted in ruining the career of some capable cricketers,” it added. The PIL said that organisers like the BCCI are under public obligation to promote cricket. If they act contrary to the objects for which they are created and in the private interest of people who currently control these organisations, the court should issue direction to enforce these obligations.
UNI |
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ICC anti-corruption unit backs
CBI
London, May 23 The 36-page report of Sir Paul Condon, head of ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit, posted on the apex cricket body’s website, contains a programme to control corruption in cricket which includes support to the CBI in investigating criminal offences linked to the contract for TV rights and associate matters. The report outlined Condon’s “ambition and intention” to control and reduce corruption in cricket “to an absolute minimum,” before the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. For this, the report envisages a six-point programme, to be worked on for the next 12 months, which includes supporting the inquires arising from the CBI report to a conclusion, and starting new investigations into allegations of corruption uncovered in recent months. While lauding the role of the CBI in eradicating malpractices in the game, the report terms the Indian betting industry as “the engine room which has powered and driven cricket corruption”. The report says it will make a “disturbing reading” for cricket lovers as corrupt practices and deliberate under-performance had permeated all aspects of the game but hoped that the recommendations included in it will provide a credible deterrent to would-be defaulters as also their detection and punishment. “Corrupt practices are now deeply ingrained in the operating culture of cricket and in some cases may be linked to major criminals,” it says while recommending that ICC Chief Executive and the Executive Board be held accountable for their performance in combating malpractice. The report says the ICC in its present state is a “loose and fragile alliance” that is unlikely to succeed as a governing body. “It must become a modern, regulatory body with the power to lead and direct international cricket,” it says adding that the ICC should also review its policies on drug abuse within the game. Prominent among the 24 recommendations is the restriction on the use of mobile telephones during international matches by players and others with insider information. Welcoming the recommendations which have already been endorsed by the ICC’s Code of Conduct Commission headed by Lord Hugh Griffiths, ICC president Malcolm Gray said the world body was determined to protect the long-term health of the sport. “In deciding to make these reports public our aim is to make this process as transparent as possible. We want followers of the game to have no doubt that the ICC is treating this issue with utmost importance and taking real steps to eradicate it,” Gray said. Analysing the possible reasons for the spread of corrupt practices in the game, the report says lesser pay packets compared to some of the other sports and uncertain playing careers have made the cricketers more prone to match-fixing offers. Reduced stakes in terms of national pride as a result of the increase in the number of matches, particularly one-day internationals, and lack of a framework to deal with corruption are the other reasons cited by the report for the spread of the malice. Despite exemplary punishments meted out to some of the biggest stars, the reports says “some players and others are still acting dishonestly and to the orders of bookmakers”, and singled out the ICC knock-out tournament in Nairobi last year and the recent series between Pakistan and New Zealand as being under cloud of suspicion. Terming it a world-wide phenomenon, the report says “the blame for the spread of cricket corruption is a shared responsibility and must not be unfairly laid upon the Indian sub-continent”. The report also dwells on the vulnerablility of a match to fixing saying the “soft matches” or “dead rubbers” like the last match of a series which has already been won by a side are more prone to the dictates of bookmakers. So are matches at neutral venues which are treated by some players with “indifference and opportunity to maximise the receipt of gifts or indulge in under-performance for betting purposes”. The report wonders at the different aspects of the matches that are vulnerable to manipulation and fixing. Even seemingly innocuous things like players being placed in unfamiliar fielding positions and individual batsmen scoring fewer runs than their opposite numbers in the team that batted first are subject of bets, it says. The report traces the history of match-fixing to the “friendly” matches in 1970s where county and club teams reached an arrangement on the result without the transaction of money. Betting grew in volume dramatically in the 1980s and 1990s as a result of the increase in the number of matches and live television coverage. ICC and the cricket boards of various countries did not do much to rein in corruption and in some cases even encouraged the malpractices. When they did respond to the problem, it was a patchwork of criminal, judicial, disciplinary and informal measures. “No single inquiry had the jurisdiction to investigate beyond its own country, players and officials. Nevertheless, a disturbing picture gradually emerged of the extent of corruption and opportunities were missed to share information and concerns,” the report says.
PTI |
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Why players take to match-fixing London, May 23 — International cricketers are paid less than top soccer players, golfers, tennis players or Formula One drivers and are therefore, more vulnerable to corrupt approaches. — During the last World Cup and other major events the cricketers received a low single figure percentage of the proceeds from the event. — Cricketers have little say or stake in the running of the sport and limited recognition of their representative bodies, where they exist. — Cricketers have relatively short and uncertain playing careers, often without contracts and some seek to supplement their official earnings with money from corrupt practices. — Some administrators either turn a blind eye or are themselves involved in malpractice. — Cricketers play a high number of one-day internationals and nothing is really at stake in terms of national pride or selection in some of these matches. — Cricketers can take money from potential corruptors in return for innocuous information and yet refuse to fix matches. — Whistle-blowing and informing on malpractice was ignored or penalised rather than encouraged. — There was no structure in place to receive allegations about corruption. — Cricketers were coerced into malpractice because of threats to them and their families. — It was just too easy.
PTI |
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London, May 23 The anti-corruption unit of the International Cricket Council, in its 36-page report on corruption in cricket released today, says it “has received a number of allegations from different sources about the unlawful use of performance enhancing drugs or recreational use of unlawful drugs by players past and present”. The report also says allegations of baggage and equipment on tours being used to facilitate the movement of unlawful drugs had also been received by ACU headed by Sir Paul Condon. Although the allegations have been dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence, Condon says the ICC must act promptly to monitor it. “This should provide a further wake up call to the ICC to ensure it monitors the potential for drug abuse in cricket,” the report says. Top South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs, who had served a six-month ban in the match-fixing controversy, and five others of the touring party, including the manager, were recently fined celebrating with marijuana after their series victory in the West Indies.
PTI |
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We showed world the way: Muthiah Karachi, May 23 “We were the ones who first initiated inquiries into corruption and then banned cricketers who were found guilty of match-fixing,’’ Dr
Muthiah, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), told Reuters from Lahore. His comments came in response to questions about the International Cricket Council’s
(ICC) report released today into corruption in the game. Dr Muthiah said he could not comment on the ICC report into corruption as he had yet to read the document. “I can’t comment before next week because I return to India on Saturday and then need time to study,’’ he said. “But I have reasons to be believe that it has been prepared in the right and professional way.’’ Dr Muthiah is in Lahore for an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting scheduled for Friday. India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probed allegations of match-fixing in the country and released a report naming several former international captains as being involved. The Indian board last year banned former captain Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Sharma from cricket for life and suspended Manoj Prabhakar and Ajay Jadeja for five years after they were named in the CBI report. All four players have denied any wrongdoing. “We showed the world that it was the game which was held in the highest esteem by the administrators (in India) and not the men playing it,’’ Dr Muthiah said. “We have and will support all our cricketers, but we have no sympathy for those who indulge in malpractice and sideline the interest of the game and the country for their personal gains,’’ he added. But he said there was still much to be done to keep the sport clean. “We have succeeded in eliminating match-fixing. But it is betting which we have to control, it is very
organised... “We could see the revival of cricket in India during the recently concluded series against Australia.”
Reuters |
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Bhutia’s transfer
plan in doldrums Singapore, May 23 But they say the size of the transfer fee indicated by Bury may rule them out. Bury chairman Terry Robinson, without disclosing exact figures, said if Bhutia was to transfer to another English club the fee would be between $ 144,000 and $ 216,000, the Today newspaper reported.“Even if Bury and Bhutia agreed on a mutual separation, or if he forgoes one year’s wages, his (Singapore) buyers will still have to pay a fee,” Robinson said. The 25-year-old Bhutia is arguably India’s best footballer and has had trials with Aston Villa and Fulham, but the cost of getting him to Singapore looked daunting to R. Vengadasalam the coach of S-League side Woodlands. “I don’t think any S-League club can spare that kind of money,” he said. Dolphins club manager Dilwat Singh said: “We are not in the position to pay a hefty transfer fee, but we are still hoping to talk to him when he arrives.” Bhutia, who is idolised in India, has had only limited appearances with Bury’s first-team since signing with the second division outfit in 1999.
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Maharashtra enter semifinals Ludhiana, May 23 Defending champions Manipur thrashed Maharashtra 8-0 in the one-sided match. Manipur girls dominated the proceeding right from the word go. Left-in Tibabi opened the account in the 18th minute by
scoring a field goal by a header. Centreforward Shanti Devi increased the lead in the 25th minute, and three minutes, later, Tibabi scored the third goal for the team. Just two minutes before the lemon break, Shanti Devi made the tally 4-0. |
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Sydney, May 23 “The unsubstantiated claim by Indian bookie Mukesh Gupta that he paid Waugh almost $ 40,000 for match information at a tournament in Hong Kong in 1993 remains unresolved. Mark has repeatedly denied the allegation. “Our position is it’s very important we resolve this issue one way or the other. It needs to be resolved either by Gupta giving evidence and being tested or alternatively we need at some stage to be able to say ‘that’s the end of the matter’ so Mark can be exonerated,” Speed, who takes over from Malcolm Gray as the next ICC chief later this year, said. “But at this stage, if you read the report, we’re not at that stage. It is of concern to Australian cricket, it must be and will be resolved at some stage, hopefully sooner rather than later,” he added. Speed said he would again be speaking with the Australian team about the dangers of cricket corruption before they fly out to England on the weekend. “They need to be very careful to be sure they’re not touched in any way by corruption. If they are contacted by anyone then they need to report it to the team manager or the captain or someone else in authority and get it in writing as soon as possible”. Commenting on the report by ACU head Sir Paul Condon as “an important step in the ongoing fight against corruption in cricket”, he said: “I think it is a valuable document in that it’s the first time we’ve had an independent source, an independent inquiry, and gone right through the issue of corruption across the cricketing world”. ACB, Speed said, will also consider the recommendations in the ICC report governing the use of mobile phones during matches and of access to players. Speed said the ACB was likely to continue its policy of not participating in any tournaments which were not run by either the ICC or the Test-playing nations.
PTI |
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Indian eves beat Wales 4-0 Buenos Aires, May 23 The results mean South Korea will face Argentina, while the Netherlands will play Argentina in tomorrow’s championship semifinals. Meanwhile, India defeated Wales 4-0 in the elimination group G for minor place rankings. Despite the lop-sided scoreline, play was fairly even but India proved far more effective with penalty corners. Shanggai Ibemhal Chanu scored two of the four goals to help India to victory. In the Australia-Argentina match, Hope Brown scored the only goal following a penalty corner for Australia.
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Anand lifts trophy Merida (Mexico), May 23 The Indian Grandmaster drew his last round game with England’s Nigel Short and finished with 4.5 points from six games. He had three wins, two against Gilberto Hernandez and one against Short, while he drew twice against the Russian, Alexander Khalifman and once against Short. In the other last round match, Khalifman was held to a draw by Hernandez, who thus got only his second draw from the four-man week-long tournament. Both final round games ended in draws in less than 30 moves.
UNI |
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‘Sports Commission’
releases report Patiala, May 23 The IOA had set up the commission in 1996 under the Chairmanship of former Union Minister K.P Singh Deo. Since 1996, the members of the commission met just once in March,1999 and now after a gap of more than two years, the IOA has released the report. The report, a copy of which is available with this correspondent, discusses the sports mechanism
prevalent in developed countries and stresses the need for a cohesive and integrated approach among various agencies including Sports Authority of India, national sports federations,
IOA, and state and Central governments. A major point put forth in the report is that sportspersons, coaches, administrators and government officials should be held accountable regarding performance of players. It also speaks about the marketing aspect and the role of information technology (IT) in gaining excellence in sports. Another point is the involvement of local self governments, municipalities and state governments in creating infrastructure. The financial implications involved will have the concurrence of the state planning boards and the Planning Commission. The report also underlines the need to broaden the base of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) as it was felt that there was enormous talent at the school level which requires to be tapped in a professional manner. |
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Wrestling squad Chandigarh, May 23 According to Wrestling Federation of India President MS Malik, the
championship would be held as per in 54 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg, 76 kg, 85 kg 97 kg and 130 kg categories. The women’s championship would be held in 46 kg, 51 kg, 56 kg, 62 kg, 68 kg and 75 kg categories. Mr Malik said each wrestler will undergo a medical examination for three days prior to departure for the championships. |
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Madhuban to be ‘sports district’ Chandigarh, May 23 Mr Alok Joshi, IG, Haryana Armed Police, while disclosing this here today, said that the ‘sports district’, the first of its kind in the state would be inaugurated by the Haryana Director General of Police, Mr M.S. Malik, on May 29. The creation of a sports district would go a long way in the promotion of sports in the state. He said that a sports meet for the dependants of police personnel would also be organised at Madhuban on May 29 to mark the occasion. Dependants of police personnel from all the seven ranges of Haryana Police would participate in events like 100 metre race (boys and girls), 4x100 metres relay race (boys and girls) and wrestling (light weight, heavy weight, middle weight and open heavy weight). A large number of children in 14-18-year age group are likely to participate. He said that Haryana Police was making efforts to achieve excellence in various sports disciplines. |
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SSCB cancels leave of
players Patiala, May 23 The decision has been taken by the SSCB authorities in the wake of boxer Gurcharan Singh’s disappearance. It may be recalled that the boxer had `disappeared’ when he was scheduled to visit the Czech Republic early this year for a training-cum-competition stint. It is learnt that Gurcharan Singh, at present, is in the USA trying his hand at professional boxing. From now on, a Services sportspersons will have to seek the permission of the Commanding Officer (CO) of his or her regiment before the chief coach of the squad grants permission to leave. If the CO does not issue a certificate of leave to the sportsperson concerned the chief coach will not be able to give permission to leave. The SSCB has already issued instructions in this regard to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Majority of the National camps are held under the aegis of the SAI and the chief coaches are kept on the
recommendations of the respective national sports federations (NSF’s). Earlier, during the International Military Games held at Atlanta in 1996, two prominent Indian boxers, Devinder Thapa and Lakha Singh, had defected to the USA where they have turned professionals. Meanwhile, all efforts to trace Gurcharan Singh have proved futile. His close friends and relatives also admit that they have not been able to establish contact with the boxer yet. |
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SAI to upgrade
Rai school Chandigarh, May 23 While giving this information here today, an official spokesman said that the Haryana Government has also decided to constitute an expert group which would suggest ways to improve the standard of sports training being imparted at the MLNSS in
Rai. The state government would provide all the required support to the school and it would not be
privatised. He said that this expert group had been formed keeping in view the changing scenario at the international level in the arena of sports and increasing competition in academics. The group has already held a meeting at Rai to carry out an indepth study to suggest methods and strategies for improving the standards of sports and academics of the school. |
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Students honoured Bathinda, May 23 Kirandeep Kaur and Apneet Kaur were honoured for performing well in volleyball at the national level, Gagandeep Kaur and Paramveer Kaur were honoured for outstanding performance in basketball at the state level. All four players are from Dashmesh Public School, Badal. Manpreet Singh of Senior Secondary School, Muktsar, who represented Punjab in U-19 kabaddi championship and Arminder Singh, who won silver medal in swimming in National Games (U-19) were also honoured. |
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