The Indian cricket board (BCCI) is considering revoking Mohammed Azharuddin life ban for his involvement in match fixing, with many members believing the former test captain had been punished enough.
The Daily News and Analysis (DNA) newspaper yesterday reported that the board had put the onus of clearing Azharuddin on itself after it portrayed Azharuddin "as more wronged by the administration than he ever deserved."
The first signs of a backdown from the Indian board came when it announced last week that it planned to honor Azharuddin among a group of high profile players for their services to Indian cricket.
And the BCCI's administrative chief, Ratnakar Shetty, went further when he issued an official statement on Wednesday saying that "the general opinion is that Azharuddin has undergone enough punishment for his purported sin."
Shetty claimed that Azharuddin's harsh punishment was a knee-jerk reaction by Indian authorities under pressure from the International Cricket Council (ICC) when a match-fixing scandal rocked the sport.
A BCCI inquiry in 2000 found Azharuddin, who led India at three World Cups, and teammate Ajay Sharma guilty of match fixing and dealing with illegal bookmakers. Both were banned from ever playing, coaching or acting in any official position in cricket.
Two other Indian players -- Ajay Jadeja and Manoj Prabhakar -- were suspended for five years.
Azharuddin has mounted a legal challenge against the severity of his ban.
The DNA newspaper quoted unnamed board officials as saying that a few technical and legal issues were in the way of lifting the ban on Azharuddin.
Azharuddin's "unilateral exoneration will lead to potential danger, Azharuddin can sue the board for defamation," a board lawyer was quoted as saying by the newspaper, which claimed that some negotiation had already started regarding an out-of-court settlement.
Shetty said there was a feeling among Indian board members that what the Indian board did in 2000 was correct, "even if it was a knee-jerk reaction."
"But in retrospect, they feel the board has been too harsh on its players considering they way the other boards went about protecting the guilty," he said.
Despite those assertions, India wasn't the only country to act against players accused of match-fixing.
South Africa banned its former captain Hansie Cronje, who later died in a plane crash, while Pakistan banned former captain Salim Malik.
ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said earlier this week the sport's governing body had a zero tolerance to corruption and expected a similar stance from its member nations.
Despite that, the Indian board plans to proceed with the ceremony on Nov. 4 -- the eve of the Champions Trophy final at Mumbai -- that will celebrate Azharuddin's contribution to the sport.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely