CBI to probe match-fixing

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 28. The Government today announced a CBI inquiry into charges of match-fixing in cricket and promised protection to those who had evidence and were willing to cooperate.

The announcement followed widespread demand in and outside Parliament for such a probe in the wake of the Delhi police revelations relating to the former South African cricket team captain, Hansie Cronje. That the Government was inclined to entrust the inquiry to the Central Bureau of Investigation had become clear after the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. S. S. Dhindsa's meeting with cricketers and cricket administrators here on Thursday. Barely 24 hours later, it was official.

In a statement in Parliament today, Mr. Dhindsa said that keeping in view the ``sentiments'' expressed by members in both Houses and the ``sensitivity'' of the case, the Government had decided to hand it over to the CBI for an appropriate inquiry and necessary action.

``It is hoped that this inquiry will clear the air of rumours and suspicion surrounding this subject'', he said adding that the case registered by the Delhi police against Cronje and others would be pursued by it to the ``logical conclusion''.

Mr. Dhindsa said the Government believed that while those who were guilty must be punished, those who were innocent ``must not be slandered''. It was also of the view that those who had evidence ``must cooperate'' and they would be given ``adequate'' protection. At the same time those who made ``ill- founded allegations must be exposed''.

He recalled telling members that the Government would not hesitate to order an inquiry by any agency, if necessary. ``On the basis of several news items in prominent magazines and newspapers of the country, as also the statement of prominent cricket administrators and players there is a need to inquire into the matter further'', he said.

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