Cricket-ministry tainted players

Cricket-ministry tainted players
United News of India

JAN 6: Banned cricketers Mohammad Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja and Manoj Prabhakar have been directed to appear before the joint secretary of Ministry Sports on January 8, 9 and 10 respectively to explain why the Arjuna Award bestowed on them should not be taken away.

``We sent them notices more than 15 days back and had asked them to send anything in writing they wanted to defend themselves before they appear before us to explain their conduct. But so far not a single player has chosen to send his explanation in writing,'' J P Singh, joint secretary in the Ministry of Sports, told a website.

It quoted an official as saying ``we do not even know whether they will appear before the concerned joint secretary or not. We have not heard from them so far. So, as of today, we can only tell you that we have called them; whether they would come or not is entirely up to them,''

Asked what would the ministry do just in case the players decide not to come ``I wish I could answer this question. We will cross the bridge when we come to it. If that happens, as you say, then we will discuss the matter with the Minister, Ms Bharti, and take action accordingly," he said.