Match-fixing case still open: Delhi police

Delhi police commissioner Dr K K Paul has categorically stated that the match-fixing case registered by the crime branch of Delhi police in April 2000 is still very much open and they would like to question some of the leading South African players in case their government grants such permission.

Speaking to rediff.com in New Delhi on Thursday Dr Paul said that they had not written any letter to the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) saying that Herschelle Gibbs, Pieter Strydom and Nicky Boje are wanted for questioning if they travel to India with the South African cricket team.

"We have not written any letter to BCCI. I do not know from where the information came regarding questioning of these players. Of course we would like to talk to them about their alleged involvement but for that there is a proper procedure to be followed," Paul told rediff.com.

Asked

if the Delhi police had written a letter to the South African government for granting permission to talk to the concerned players ten days ago, Dr Paul said that his office had sent no such letter.

Former South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje was the main accused in the match fixing case. Cronje died in an air crash in June 2002. Sanjiv Chawla, a London based bookie, who had alleged offered money to Cronje for fixing matched has been evading questioning.

Dipendra Pathak, deputy commissioner of crime branch, told rediff.com that in case of non-availability of Herschelle Gibbs, Strydom and Boje, the chargesheet would be filed on the available documents and evidence. Asked when would the chargesheet be filed, Pathak said that no time frame could be given in such matters.

"We have cases, which are under investigation for over ten years now. This case is just four years old," he said.