The Sunil Dev Chat
Sunil Dev, the maverick administrator of Indian cricket who was manager of the Indian team on its tour of South Africa in 1996-'97, discusses the match-fixing controversy. The DDCA secretary
feels there was always been something 'fishy' in cricket even in the days of Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev. But the money then was not as big as it is today, he saus. He felt that there is definitely something in the Hansie Cronje match-fixing expose and there is no reason to doubt the integrity of the police. Read on for more of his chat.
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:18 IST)
Hi,I am cricketer first then a businessman and I am sorry to be late because of the traffic jam in Delhi.
Harish (Sat Apr 8 19100 6:49 IST)
Mr Dev why is that match fixing did not exist in the days of Kapil Dev and Gawaskar or is it s old ss those days?
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:22 IST)
Harish:I personally feel that the question from Kapil Dev and Gavaskar days is too long. I agree that match fixing of such magnitude but there were some incidents of betting on odd things like total of first innings or second innings of the match or not pressing to go all out for a win or delaying for a draw. I personally feel that there was something fishy those days also over the winning of the toss and who would score how much. And the other reason for having a very small stake because the money in the cricket was not so high then.
Manish Ahuja (Sat Apr 8 19100 6:36 IST)
Sunil, I recall you appearing with Manoj Pr. in Aap Ki Adalat where you talked about match fixing.Do you think some senior players like Gavaskar & Kapil can appeal to Indian players playing during the time of allegation to come out with the truth. This scam is as important to the nation as Bofors.
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:26 IST)
Manish: I totally agree with you that this scam is as important if not then the bofors. But I doubt if any good will there if Kapil or Sunil Gavaskar were to appeal the Indian players to come out with the truth. In fact they would no do so.
Manisha (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:25 IST)
We just heard that the Delhi police have not done voice analysis test. What do you think will happen if they are WRONG?
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:29 IST)
Manisha: It is a technical question. I would not have any knowledge of that I would not like to get into a thing like this.
Chuck Inn (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:28 IST)
Mr Sunil Dev ...... The question of Hansie Cronje and three others being involved in this scandal is being investigated. But till now is there any indication that any of the Indian players was also involved. After all it takes two hands to clap.
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:31 IST)
Chuck Inn: I don't think in a case of betting or match fixing or any other kind of bet the both the hands of the cricketers of both the sides. One hand has to be of the one who feeds the bone. So there is no question any Indian name being there at this moment.
FARROKH (Sat Apr 8 19100 6:26 IST)
The delhi police did not inform the BCCI of their findings nor di they act immediately when they had evedience. Now they don't rlease the voice prints but jus transcripts. It sounds very fishy. Your comments Mr Dev pls
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:35 IST)
Farookh: I were you I would not doubt the integrity of the police. They are not bound to inform BCCI. And they must be having their own reason to keep the other information away from the general public for better and proper investigations. Sometimes telling more to the press or the public hampers the investigations.
AnilDev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:37 IST)
Devsaab, you have been a long-time administrator and manager of the Indian cricket team. Have you never had any personal experience of this betting scandal?
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:39 IST)
Anildevji: I have no personal experience in gambling on cricket.Nor I intend to have any.
Umesh (Sat Apr 8 19100 6:23 IST)
In your opinion has the Delhi police jumped the gun? Are the charges valid?
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:38 IST)
Umesh: They have not jumped the gun. As far as I know the Delhi police they don't fire in the air.I don't know why you are doubting their work. I hope you are not a lawyer.
Chuck Inn (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:35 IST)
Shane Warne/Mark Waugh as weathermen ..... Mike Atherton's dirt in the pocket .... now this .... do yo think opinions are biased against Asians .... coz if it were accusations against any Asian players right now, the world would have an easier time in believing it .... and reaction would be more forthcoming too
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:43 IST)
Chuck Inn: I personally feel that this kind of allegation is not at all baised. And the reaction would be the same whether the players involved belong to this continent or any other continent.
Chuck Inn (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:31 IST)
Mr. Sunil Dev, while you were the manager of the Indian cricket team, did you ever feel the some players were not giving 100% effort from their side due to reasons other than form??? No need for taking names ... Just yes or no ... Just ur personal feeling.
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:45 IST)
Chuck Inn: My answer is yes with a capital Y.
Chuck Inn (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:33 IST)
This question arises because of accusations against unnamed Indian players by Manoj Prabhakar.
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:49 IST)
Chuck Inn: Once the police have started the investigations, it their responsibility to bring up the names of the Indian players if they are also involved in the match fixing.
Mr Sunil Dev (Sat Apr 8 19100 7:53 IST)
Friends, allegations like this harming the game of cricket better known as the game of the gentlemen. If the allegations are proved right,it would be the darkest day for the game of cricket and for the followers of this lovely game(as and when it happens). And if the players are involved I can only appeal and pray that they stop indulging in such unhealthy tactics which brings bad name to them and their country. I hope there is no further to this greatgame because the game would carry as nobody is bigger than the game. Bye.Thank you all for asking questions.
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