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Bribery Scandal Emerges

Friday, November 21 2003

After the sad match-fixing scandal, Indian Cricket's reputation has been severely damaged once again with new allegations of bribery, which surfaced yesterday evening.

Prolific Maharashtra batsman, Abhijit Kale has been alleged to have offered Rs. 10 Lakhs (US$21,860) to two selectors so that he may be selected in the India 'A' team.

Kale, has flatly denied and dismissed the allegations and has been barred from playing for Maharashtra until his name is cleared. The BCCI President, Jagmohan Dalmyia has refused to comment about the matter at this stage.

The allegations were intitially made by the BCCI's joint secretary, Professor Ratnakar Shetty. Shetty was quoted in saying, "The player had offered to pay money to a couple of selectors for a place in the India A team. I can assure you that stern action will be taken against the player."

Kale later went on television and responded by dismissing these allegations. "I am surprised by these allegations, my record speaks for itself." After scoring 24 FC centuries, Kale certainly had the talent to make the India 'A' and the National India squad without resorting to such drastic measures.

Until he can be cleared of any wrongdoing, Kale will not play for Maharashtra this season, a decision which was taken by the Maharashtra Cricket Association. Kale played one ODI for India in Bangladesh this season, where he scored just 10 runs.





Posted by Sangrah