Kambli's fixing claims show his class: Azhar

New Delhi: Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has broken his silence, slamming Vinod Kambli's claims that India's 1996 World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka may have been 'fixed.'

Talking to CNN-IBN, Azhar said what Kambli has brought up is "highly disrespectful to the (then) team members", adding that he had no regrets about his decision to bowl first - which Kambli has questioned - in that match.

"We decided to field. It was discussed and a team decision. It was a collective decision. I don't have any regrets, no reason to shy away from this. What Vinod is saying is absolutely rubbish! He must have been sleeping in the team meeting," said the former captain.

"We wanted to field first and chase against Sri Lanka, wanted to do something different in the match. Very sad that people are questioning the decision. For Kambli to talk like this, it shows his class," a visibly distraught Azhar said.

"Vinod Kambli on so many occasions has said that I was the best captain he has played under. It's very annoying the way the statement was made."

Azhar resisted any questions related to the match-fixing against him.

"The match-fixing case is going on in High court. When my name is cleared, everybody will come to know the truth. I am not affected by the allegations. Kambli has made a fool of himself," Azhar concluded.

Earlier on Thursday, talking to a television channel, Kambli made a startling claim that the 1996 World Cup semi-final between India and Sri Lanka could have been fixed.

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