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Khetrapal to reveal all in book

Sports promoter Aushim Khetrapal today alleged that England cricketer Chris Lewis, who said he was offered 300,000 pounds to persuade players to throw a Test, had initiated the match-fixing controversy just to sell his story for a six-figure amount.

Talking to newspersons in Delhi today, Khetrapal disclosed that he has filed defamation suits against the London-based News of the World, Lewis and The Asian Age for one million pounds, Rs 20 million and Rs 10 million respectively.

The News of the World had published a report, saying Khetrapal had offered 300,000 pounds to Lewis to impress upon two cricketers to fix a Test match. "The Asian Age also carried the story without verifying the facts from him," Khetrapal alleged.

In its September 13 edition, the Daily Express of London published a story quoting Lewis's manager as saying 'now the gloves are off, Chris is ready to give a personal account in exchange of a six-figure sum.'

According to the report, the information to the News of the World, published on September 12, was fed by outsiders and not Lewis.

Khetrapal admitted having met Lewis, as also West Indies captain Brian Lara and New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming in London on August 2 to arrange a benefit match. He, however, denied making Lewis the 300,000 pounds offer to fix any match.

He said Fleming, who is now touring the country, should be approached to tell his part of the story, as he knows exactly what transpired during his meeting with him.

He declared that a book, written by him, on the whole controversy will be published by the middle of November. ''This book will have details. It will also expose the big names and corrupt practices which have sullied the game in recent past,'' he said.

Khetrapal said he is prepared to testify before Scotland Yard, adding that he has also made a representation to International Cricket Council president Jagmohan Dalmiya, clarifying his position in the controversy.

UNI