Skip to main content

Wadekar rubbishes Kambli's fixing claims


Mumbai: Soon after former India cricketer Vinod Kambli claimed that the infamous 1996 World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens was fixed, the then manager of the Men in Blue, Ajit Wadekar rubbished all claims. Trashing all allegations, Wadekar first questioned the timing of the claims. "My question is, if he knew everything, why did he wait for 15 years," Wadekar said on Friday.
Kambli said he was suspicious of then captain Mohammed Azharuddin's decision to field first on winning the toss despite consensus in the team meeting that India would bat if they win the toss. He made these accusations during a show on Star News.
The allegations though have left his former manager fuming. "I am here to state the facts. What I can reveal is that we had a team meeting on the eve of the match and there were opinions and counter opinions. Few felt that we should bat first, while others were in favour of fielding. But eventually the decision to field first was unanimous and the captain (Azharuddin) chose to do accordingly when we won the toss," Wadekar revealed to MiD DAY.
Reacting to Kambli's claims, Wadekar also explained the logic of their decision to field first. "As a matter of fact, Sri Lanka were good chasers and that's why we were inclined to make them bat first so as to upset their rhythm. Unfortunately none of our ploys came good on the day. But that's part and parcel of the game," the former India skipper stated.
It may be recalled, Sri Lanka chased down India's challenging total of 271 in a group league match and thus registering a six-wicket win over India. Sachin Tendulkar scored a run-a-ball 137.
The 70-year-old though rated Kambli a quality cricketer. "I have no complaints about his cricketing abilities. He was a brilliant cricket, he just needed to be looked after," Wadekar felt. Asked about his off-field shenanigans, Wadekar didn't like to be drawn into that. "There shouldn't be any issue with off-the-field activities. What mattered was performance. As long as he was doing that, I had no problem," he said.
For the record, from 98-2, India slumped to 120-8 in reply to Sri Lanka's 252 before the unruly crowd disrupted the game and Sri Lanka were declared winners by default. They went on to beat Australia in the final at Lahore.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

In pics: The Bachchan Family Tree

The Bachchans:  Bachchans are busy celebrating the arrival of Aishwarya and Abhishek's daughter. Let's meet the Bachchan clan Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan's father was a famous Hindi poet. He is most popular for his book 'Madhushala'. He passed away in 2003. Harivansh Rai Bachchan got married to Shyama in 1926. Shyama died after ten years of marriage. Harivansh married Teji Bachchan (in the picture) in 1941. They had two sons, Amitabh and Ajitab. Born in 1969, Amitabh Bachchan is the most popular Bollywood celebrity today. Ajitabh Bachchan (second from left) is Amitabh's younger brother Amitabh Bachchan is married to actress Jaya Bachchan. They have two children, Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Nanda. Jaya was born in a Hindu Bengali family to Taroon Kumar Bhaduri and Indira Bhaduri. Her father was a writer, journalist and stage artist. Abhishek's elder sister Shweta Bachchan Nanda is married to industrialist Nikhil Nanda. Nikhil and Shweta have t...

Mary Anning: Google doodle celebrates 215th birthday of British palaeontologist

Anning became famous for her work collecting fossils from the Jurassic beds near her home in Lyme Regis Dorset Google has celebrated the 215th anniversary of the birth of British palaeontologist Mary Anning with a special doodle. Anning is best known for her work collecting fossils from the Jurassic period near her home in Lyme Regis Dorset. Today's colourful Google Doodle shows her uncovering a dinosaur's fossilised remains. Anning is recognised for contributing to fundamental changes in scientific thinking about prehistoric life. Among her many discoveries was the first ever correctly identification skeleton of an ichthyosaur. Despite being recognised globally for her work in the field, she was not - as a woman - eligible to join the Geological Society of London. In 2010 Anning was included by the Royal Society iin a list of the ten British women who have most influenced the history of science. Born in Lyme Regis on 21st May 1799. Her father, a cabinetmaker,...

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s 67th Birthday

Imagine an entire genre of music, rooted in antiquity, that lies hidden to most of the world. Its traditions stretch back 700 years, yet few know it exists. Its beautiful melodies dip and soar. But no one is around to listen. Such was the state of   Qawwali   in a not-so-distant past. Then came Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who opened the world’s ears to the rich, hypnotic sounds of the Sufis. Born to a musical family, Khan brought Qawwali from modest origins to international attention. He collaborated with, and influenced, countless musicians. And his endurance was astounding; some performances could last as long as ten hours! Thanks to his legendary voice, Khan helped bring “world music” to the world. To celebrate his 67th birthday, let’s just   listen . Ref : https://www.google.com/doodles/nusrat-fateh-ali-khans-67th-birthday