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Dhindsa's statement in the Lok Sabha

Following is the text of the statement on match-fixing in cricket by Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, minister of youth affairs and sports, in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

''The issue of match-fixing has been at the centrestage of media reporting for the last few weeks. It has also been debated in the two houses of parliament. I have already made statements in both the houses of parliament on this issue. In my statement, I had mentioned that government will not hesitate to initiate an inquiry in the matter of match-fixing by any agency of the government, as required.

"On the basis of several news items in prominent magazines and newspapers of the country, as also the statement of prominent cricket administrators and players, there is need to inquire into the matter further.

"Government believes that those who are guilty must be punished, those who are innocent must not be slandered, those who have evidence must cooperate and shall be given adequate protection, and those who make ill founded allegations must be exposed.

"Keeping in view the sentiments expressed by hon'ble members in both houses of parliament, the sensitivity of the case and the complexities involved, as also the issue of jurisdiction, government has decided to entrust the matter to CBI for appropriate inquiry and necessary action. During the discussions in parliament on this issue, the predominant view was also to entrust this matter to the CBI. It is hoped that this inquiry will clear the air of rumours and suspicion surrounding this subject.

"The case already registered by the Delhi police under FIR No. 111/2000 against Hansie Cronje and others will be pursued by Delhi police to its logical conclusion."

UNI