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'Indian players can never be bribed'

Syed Firdaus Ashraf in Bombay

Former Indian captain Bishen Singh Bedi, reacting to former Indian cricketer Manoj Prabhakar's claim that he was offered a bribe by another player, told Rediff On The NeT that it was unfair on Prabhakar's part to make allegations without providing proof. "This fellow deserves a kick... for such a statement," he said.

According to Indian law, any person found betting is liable to a punishment of six months imprisonment. But, so far, no player has been found guilty of betting.

Asked if the Board for Cricket Control of India should keep a watch on the players during the matches, Bedi said, "The BCCI is busy making money. They are not bothered about the players's health. In fact, I will not agree with any allegation that our cricketers are being bribed. For every Indian cricket player, the nation's pride is more important than money. And I don't think any Indian player can be involved in this disgraceful act," he claimed.

This view is seconded by Atul Wasan, the former Indian fast bowler. "I agree that Indian players can never be bribed. People wonder about the lifestyles which the players maintain. But they should understand that cricketers are being paid well for every match. They get Rs 60,000 per match. Moreover, they are getting personal sponsors that can sustain their expensive lifestyles."

"If players get bribed," says Wasan, "no one will come to see the matches. People will lose faith in cricketers. And if it is proved that players are bribed then I feel it will be a crime against the nation."

He felt that even if the BCCI tried, it would be impossible to keep a watch on every player or know whom each player is meeting for about a month before each match.

"If Manoj Prabhakar says some players approached him with a bribe, then he must name those people. He must not make allegations without sufficient evidence," Wasan said.

Navjot Singh Sidhu, the Indian opener, refused to comment on the allegations. In fact, he said in a telephone conversation from his home in Patiala, it was a disgrace for him to even talk about betting. "I have never heard cricket players talk about betting on the ground or in the dressing room," he said.