Pakistani players face more allegations of match-fixing

In fast-paced revelations, the focus in the Pakistan team match-fixing scandal has now shifted to allegations that Pakistani players fixed the first Test against England in the series just ended.

Also, a latest video released by British tabloid The News of the World is perhaps the most shocking one yet. After the video where bookie Mazhar Majeed was seen putting 10,000 pounds into his jacket which was handed over by the News of the World reporter, in the new video Majeed is now seen taking off the jacket and handing it over to fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who puts it on.

The bookie, arrested on Saturday and released on bail last night, was seen on video claiming that the result of a Test match played in Sydney in January this year between Australia and Pakistan was rigged. This was a sting operation conducted by The News of the World. In the video, Majeed is seen boasting about the fixed result of the Sydney Test and the money he earned from it.

Now, British tabloid The Sun has reported that Pakistani players also allegedly rigged the opening Test against England at Nottingham, which the hosts won by a massive 354 runs, in the series just ended.

The Sun has reported that Scotland Yard's Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick was told about Pakistani players being involved in match fixing a month ago.

"Ms Dick, head of the Specialist Crime Directorate, was still assessing that information yesterday when a News of the World probe exposed a Pakistani match-fixing ring," the report said.

Meanwhile, another report claimed that the Pakistani players were found with cash exceeding their daily allowances during a Scotland Yard raid on Saturday night.

THE STING:

In the videos released, bookie Majeed talks about how he launders match-fixing money through a football club. "The only reason I bought a football club is to do that," he said. (Who is Mazhar Majeed?)

The video shows him demanding a £10,000 down payment before guaranteeing two no-balls on the second day of the Sydney match during a secret meeting outside a restaurant where he was dining with the team.

The British tabloid has said the bookie also boasted that the betting syndicate made more than 830,000 pounds with one controversial Test this year.

SHOCK AND ANGER

Meanwhile, during the investigation, the Scotland Yard detectives spoke to Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif and skipper Salman Butt and took away their mobile phones, Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed confirmed on Sunday.

However, despite the allegations, Saeed has denied that Pakistan cricket was "institutionally corrupt".

"We would like to wait to see what happens in the investigation. Only then we can say anything," Saeed said.

Back home the Pakistan cricket fraternity is stunned by the latest developments and has reacted with shock and anger. Former captains say the accused players and the team management should be called back home immediately and prompt steps be taken to deal with the scandal.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has also expressed his disappointment at the allegations and promised that any player found guilty would be severely punished.

If wrongdoing was proven, "all the players involved must forget to play for Pakistan in future," the President's spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/sports/pakistani-players-face-more-allegations-of-match-fixing-48253?trendingnow

Saina gears up for World Championships

Saina Nehwal has been on a hot streak of late with three consecutive super series titles. But over the next week, she has the chance to scale an even higher summit, win the world championships that start in Paris later on Tuesday.

The Hyderabadi hurricane has unfinished business at the World Championships. Laid low by chicken pox just before last year's World Championship in Hyderabad, Saina Nehwal battled hard but fell in the quarter finals.

But a lot has happened in the last 12 months. Saina is now in top gear and is seeded second in Paris. She starts off against Hsiao Huan Chen against whom she has a 2-0 head to head record.

A hattrick of titles a few months back have rocketed Saina to 2nd in the world rankings, but with that comes added expectations.

Saina's USP has been her ability to thrive under pressure but this time the odds are stacked against her. The Chinese are lurking and Saina will have to go past 3 of them before she can lay her hands on the trophy.

Also within striking dstance is that coveted world number one ranking. There's a lot to play for in Paris and her journey begins on Tuesday.

Source http://ibnlive.in.com/news/saina-gears-up-for-world-championships/129496-5-23.html

Sangakkara wants team to build on thumping win

After reaching the finals of the tri-series with one of Sri Lanka's biggest wins over India, Kumar Sangakkara has said the team must aim at winning consistently, irrespective of the margin of victory. In front of a raucous Sunday crowd, Sri Lanka rolled MS Dhoni's side over for 103, inflicting the largest defeat in India's history in terms of balls remaining.

"It's a good preparation for the final, but that is a new game six days away," Sangakkara said. "The key is to win matches consistently, wins like this (or) close matches, it doesn't matter if we win matches consistently."

The likes of Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas aren't a part of the current squad, but all of them played their part in Sri Lanka's 245-run walloping of India in the finals of the Coca Cola Champions Trophy in 2000, a victory which Sangakkara termed as their best against India. "The best win against India I guess was in Sharjah, very early in my career, we got 299 and India were 54 all out I think," he said. "That was a great win and that was a great side, with this particular side, with some of our greats who have retired, it's great for our confidence that we can still do things like this."

One of the minor surprises during Sri Lanka's chase on Sunday was the promotion of Mahela Jayawardene to the top of the order, pushing the specialist opener, Upul Tharanga, down to No. 3. Jayawardene didn't open the innings for a decade after his debut in one-dayers, but has two hundreds in the five times he has opened, and has also recently taken to opening for Sri Lanka in Twenty20s.

"We've got to understand that players evolve, MJ is the best batsman we have without a doubt, to me he's been ideal for us in the middle order," Sangakkara said. "But Mahela over the last year and a half has shown a liking to open, if his mindset is more free to go up top of the order, then guys like me, other players must back that decision, we've got to move down the order and take responsibility."

Sangakkara said the move was a one-off, and the Jayawardene wasn't yet penciled in for the opener's slot for the final. Sri Lanka have five days to plan their strategy for the final, and the team decided to take Monday off, heading to the beaches of Trincomalee, two-and-half hours away from Dambulla.

Source http://www.cricinfo.com/sl-tri2010/content/current/story/473822.html

Sharapova named world's highest-paid female athlete

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova was named the world's highest-paid female athlete by Forbes magazine.

Sharapova pulled in $24.5 million over the past year, including $1 million earned from prize money and the rest derived from endorsements and appearance fees, Forbes said.

Sharapova, 23, became an overnight tennis sensation at the age of 17 when she won Wimbledon in 2004, and quickly showed her business acumen by signing lucrative contracts with global brands like Canon, Motorola, Tiffany, Land Rover, and Colgate-Palmolive.

But her biggest deal is with Nike, which re-signed the Russian star in January to an eight-year contract worth up to $70 million.

Sharapova also receives royalties from her own line of bags and shoes through Nike subsidiary Cole Haan.

The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, occupy the No. 2 and No. 3 slots in the Forbes' list, respectively. According to the survey, Serena's earnings account for $20.2 million, while Venus earned $15.4 million over the past year.

Sharapova dropped from the 76th to 81st place on this year's Forbes ranking of the richest and most powerful actors, actresses, athletes and musicians.

Read more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/Sharapova-named-worlds-highest-paid-female-athlete/articleshow/6363741.cms

IPL GC, BCCI Marketing Committee to meet tomorrow

A decision on the number of matches to be played in the next edition of the Indian Premier League will top the agenda of the T20 League's Governing Council meeting in Mumbai on Friday. Passing of the IPL-III accounts is also in the priority list of the agenda. BCCI marketing committee will also meet tomorrow to decide on the sponsors for Test series, ODIs and T20 Internationals for a peroid from September 1 this year to March 31, 2013.

The BCCI's finance committee is also scheduled to meet on Friday.

While eight teams were in the fray in the first three editions, the highly popular IPL will feature 10 teams from the next edition after addition of Sahara Pune Warriors and Kochi franchise.

Sources say the organisers may go for a shorter edition in terms of the number of matches.

"Playing 94 matches is not possible especially in the months of April-May-June when IPL-IV is to be held. May be we will go for 73-74 matches in all," they said.

According to sources, pruning of the duartion is inevitable with media reports claiming that a key member of the Indian team management has written to the BCCI to cut down the team's schedule to avoid player burnout and injuries.

Board secretary N Srinivasan has denied receving any such letter but IPL, to be held soon after the conclusion of 2011 World Cup, may go for a new format.

Source http://www.hindustantimes.com/IPL-GC-BCCI-Marketing-Committee-to-meet-tomorrow/Article1-588883.aspx

Former players criticise Randiv for deliberate no ball

Suraj Randiv’s deliberate no-ball to Virender Sehwag, which denied the Indian opener a hundred in their tri-series ODI match last night, came in for sharp criticism by former players who felt the Sri Lankan spinner’s antics were “unsporting and unpardonable“.

While iconic all-rounder and former World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev chose to remain mum on the issue, others such as Syed Kirmani and Ajit Wadekar felt Randiv’s actions have set a bad precedent.

“On certain things, I do not want to react. It is not worth talking about. Some players are playing the game in their own ways. To me, it is important that India won the match. Sehwag deserves appreciation for the manner in which he handled the situation in scoring the 99-run knock,” Kapil told PTI.

Former stumper Kirmani said cricket’s reputation as a gentleman’s game is getting tarnished due to acts such as these.

“These days, no team appreciates an opponent’s good knock or good work with the ball. The game is played like a war between the teams. It is not in the spirit of the gentlemanly game,” Kirmani said.

“Sehwag was magnanimous in his comments. To many followers of the game, including myself, it looked like unsporting behaviour by Randiv. I would not have done it. Randiv was bowling well and he is a capable bowler. He had the ability to take Sehwag’s wicket and delay the proceedings instead of bowling a no ball,” he added.

A disgusted Sehwag later criticised Randiv in the post-match press conference but the matter seems to have been settled amicably after Sri Lanka Cricket and Randiv offered apologies for the incident.

But Kirmani felt such unsporting acts should not be forgiven.

“I do not know whether it was a team strategy, if it is, it is an unpardonable act,” he said.

Former all-rounder Madan Lal and ex-captain Ajit Wadekar echoed the sentiment. “It’s not cricket. That’s not fair, not done in cricket. But a no-ball is a no-ball and the umpire had to declare it. It comes first and the ball becomes dead. Poor chap, Sehwag. He deserved a hundred,” said Wadekar.

“I do not like teams to behave like that in matches. To me, it looked like a deliberate attempt. I appreciate Sehwag for the bold manner in which he remained not out to give India the important victory. However, Suraj Randiv’s actions were in bad taste and it could affect the future matches of tri-series,” felt Madan Lal.

“It is definitely unsporting behaviour. I don’t know whether Sangakkara has done it or the bowler did it purposefully. In my opinion they should not have done it,” Madan Lal said.

Former chief selector Chandu Borde, however, felt the Lankans should not be singled out for criticism as all teams have employed such tactics, including India.

“No team wants to allow a batsman to cross the century mark and all the teams in the world have succeeded on number of occasions in denying the batsman of a century. Even we Indians have followed this and never gave a freedom for the batsman to set a mark. It was a brilliant knock by Sehwag, he deserves all accolades,” he said.

“I would not say it as ‘not cricket’ Some people are generous to a fault but others, like the Australians, won’t give you an easy hundred to take. There can be two opinions on this; whether Sri Lanka were unsporting or not.

“I remember (In Delhi in 1958-59 series) against the West Indies I had scored a century (109) in the first innings and was 96 batting in the second with (fast bowler Roy) Gilchrist repeatedly bowling bouncers at me. When two balls remained non-striker Vijay Manjrekar came and told me you have to get to the century. I hooked the next ball, it went for a four but I disturbed my wicket and was hit-wicket,” he recalled.

“In the same match, we didn’t allow Gary Sobers to get to his double hundred when he was on 199. It’s part of the game.

We Indians have also adopted such strategies. Even local cricket in India is played in that manner,” he said.

Former left arm spinner Bapu Nadkarni felt the six hit by Sehwag off the no ball should have counted.

“The decision of the umpires is puzzling to me. A no-ball is bowled and the match is declared as over. Hypothetically speaking if Sehwag plays a shot and a run-out occurs, then what happens? How do you say the match is over and the ball is dead? It was not dead when Sehwag hit a six.

“I am not an expert on the rules but the no-ball is there to be taken advantage of by the batsman and Sehwag did it,” he opined.

Source http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/article575847.ece

Games problems 'could harm India's Olympic hopes'

India's hopes of one day hosting the Olympic Games will suffer unless it overcomes organisational problems affecting the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, Australian Olympic chief John Coates said Thursday.

The October 3-14 event involving 71 nations is already the costliest Commonwealth Games in history, with an infrastructure and organising budget of two billion dollars, which unofficial estimates say will be at least tripled.

An Indian anti-corruption body has also reported that it had found a host of problems in construction work for the Games, including the use of poor-quality materials and dubious contracts.

The soaring costs and highly publicised delays have led to severe criticism of the organisers, and Coates -- a member of the International Olympic Committee executive board -- said the fallout would damage India's reputation for hosting major sports events.

"In the Olympic world we would certainly prefer that venues are all finished one year before, that you're able to have test events," the Australian Olympic Committee president told reporters.

"We did have some similar experiences with Athens (Olympics in 2004) and I'm sure the Games will happen, but certainly I wouldn't like to be involved in something with construction happening so close to the event.

"In many ways you're in the hands of organising committees, you're in the hands of governments, you get to a stage where you have to trust them, you have to back them.

"There's no potential to take the Games away; it had to happen in Athens, it has to happen in Delhi and I'm sure it will," Coates said.

Source http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iIxGIiSONuTXKpZKq4gTdtCs3mIQ

Flintoff not in Super Kings final squad for CLT20

Injury-plagued England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been left out of IPL champions Chennai Super Kings' final 15-member squad for next month's Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa.

Flintoff has had two knee operations in the last 12 months and will be out of action for the entire season. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led Super Kings to their maiden IPL triumph this year, will continue to captain the side.

The foreign players who found a place in the squad are retired Sri Lankan spin-wizard Muttiah Muralitharan and Thilan Thushara, Australia's Michael Hussey, Doug Bollinger and retired Matthew Hayden, and Albie Morkel of South Africa.

Three players from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), will play for their 'away' team rather than their 'home' teams.

Jacques Kallis, Ross Taylor and Cameron White will line up for RCB in South Africa from September 10 after being named by their home teams as well as their IPL franchise.

Dean Kino, CLT20 Governing Council Member and Director of Legal and Business Affairs, said RCB will compensate the respective home teams for taking away the players.

"CLT20 regulations stipulate that with Jacques Kallis, Ross Taylor and Cameron White playing for their IPL franchise instead of their home teams, RCB must compensate the Warriors, Central Stags and Victorian Bushrangers USD 200,000 each respectively," he said.

The 10 teams are loaded with stars including Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shaun Tait, Mahela Jayawardene, Dale Steyn, Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh and Mike Hussey.

Airtel Champions League Twenty20 Final Squads:

Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni, S Badrinath, M Vijay, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Shadab Jakati, A Srikkanth, L Balaji, Muttiah Muralitharan, Michael Hussey, Doug Bollinger, Thilan Thushara, Albie Morkel, Matthew Hayden, Joginder Sharma. Warriors: Davy Jacobs, Ashwell Prince, Colin Ingram, Mark Boucher, Johan Botha, Nicky Boje, Craig Thyssen, Juan Theron, Makhaya Ntini, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Justin Kreusch, Garnett Kruger, Arno Jacobs, Lyall Meyer, Jon Jon Smuts.

Victoria Bushrangers: David Hussey, Ryan Carters, Aaron Finch, Shane Harwood, John Hastings, Brad Hodge, Andrew McDonald, Bryce McGain, Clint McKay, Glenn Maxwell, Dirk Nannes, James Pattison, Rob Quiney, Peter Siddle, Matthew Wade.

Wayamba: Jehan Mubarak, Mahela Udawatte, Mahela Jayawardene, Jeevantha Kulatunga, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Kushal Janith Perera, Rangana Herath, Chanaka Welegedara, Ajantha Mendis, Farveez Maharoof, Thissara Perera, Damitha Hunukumbura, Shalika Karunanayake, Isuru Udana, Sameera Zoysa.

Central Districts: Adam Milne, Bevan Griggs, Brad Patton, Brendon Diamanti, Doug Bracewell, George Worker, Jacob Oram, Jamie How, Kieran Noema-Barnett, Matthew Sinclair, Michael Mason, Mitchell McClenaghan, Peter Ingram, Seth Rance, Tim Weston.

Mumbai Indians: Shikhar Dhawan, Sachin Tendulkar, Ambati Rayudu, Saurabh Tiwary, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, R Sathish, Ali Murtaza, Dhawal Kulkarni, Aditya Tare, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, JP Duminy, Lasith Malinga, Ryan McLaren.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey, Praveen Kumar, R Vinay Kumar, Virat Kohli, Cameron White, Ross Taylor, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, Dillon du Preez, B Akhil, Abhimanyu Mithun, Nayan Doshi.

South Australia: Cullen Bailey, Daniel Harris, Graham Manou, Daniel Christian, Gary Putland, Peter George, Callum Ferguson, Michael Klinger, Jake Haberfield, Tim Ludeman, Shaun Tait, Tom Cooper, Chris Duval, Cameron Borgas, Aaron O'Brien, Cullen Bailey.

Guyana: Ramnaresh Sarwan, Royston Crandon, Lennox Crush, Travis Dowlin, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Narsingh Deonarine, Jonathan Foo, Derwin Christian, Christopher Barnwell, Esuan Crandon, Devendra Bishoo, Assad Fudadin, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Richard Ramdeen.

Lions: Alviro Peterson, Thami Tsolekile, Craig Alexander, Shane Burger, Richard Cameron, Werner Coetsee, Cliffe Deacon, Zander de Bruyn, Robert Frylinck, Neil McKenzie, Ethan O'Rielly, Aaron Phangiso, Jean Symes, Jonathan Vandiar, Vaughn van Jaarsveld.

Source http://cricket.ndtv.com/storypage.aspx?id=SPOEN20100149453&nid=43726

Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/storypage.aspx?id=SPOEN20100149453&nid=43726&cp

Tiger Woods questions Ryder Cup participation

Tiger Woods has raised doubts about his participation in October's Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales after enduring his worst finish as a professional.

The American ended the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational 18 over, although he keeps hold of the world number one spot.

"I wouldn't help the team if I'm playing like this. No-one would help the team if they're shooting 18 over par," a rueful Woods told reporters.

"I think I can turn it around. We have lots of time between now and then."

Woods sits 10th in the United States Ryder Cup list and will miss out on automatic selection unless he performs well enough at this week's USPGA Championship in Wisconsin.

If he fails to rise into the top eight, he would then have to rely on a wildcard pick from US captain Corey Pavin if he is to feature in the biennial event from 1-3 October.

"Shooting 18 over par is not fun," said Woods. "I don't see how it can be fun shooting 18 over, especially since my handicap is meant to be zero. It's tough.

"I need to hit the ball better, I need to chip better, I need to putt better. It has been a long year."

Woods shot a final-round 77 in Ohio to finish joint 78th in the 80-man field at the Firestone Country Club.

His five-year reign as world number one would have come to an end if Phil Mickelson finished fourth or better.

But Masters champion Mickelson carded 78 on Sunday to finish in a tie for 46th behind winner Hunter Mahan.

Woods's final-round slump ended a dismal week which saw him card 74, 72, 75 for the first three rounds as he posted his highest 72-hole score in relation to par.

But Mickelson failed to take advantage, ending on three over for the tournament with rounds of 66, 68, 71 and 78.

Despite missing out on Woods's number one tag, Mickelson remained confident that he would take his compatriot's title soon.

"I hit some wild shots and the round seemed to get away from me," he said. "If I keep playing, it will eventually happen but I've got to get in a better rhythm. I've not played a lot and it showed."

The Firestone Country Club had previously been a happy hunting ground for Woods, who has won seven out of his 10 tournaments played there.

Yet this year his combined total of 298 was 39 shots higher than the record he set for the course 10 years ago.

Only Sweden's Henrik Stenson kept Woods from finishing in last place.

Source http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/golf/8895966.stm

Sachin formula for WC success

The Master Blaster has highlighted two key factors that can lead India to the World Cup trophy.

Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar is optimistic about India's chances at next year's cricket World Cup and said pre-tournament recovery and maintaining the momentum will be the key to success.

"We've been performing well as a side and I think it's important that the India team carry its momentum into the tournament next year," Tendulkar said.

"I think our pre-tournament preparation will be key and at the same time pre-tournament recovery is also important so that we're raring to go once the event has started," he added.

The 37-year-old Mumbaikar said reputation won't count in the World Cup and the best team on a given day will win.

"I think it's difficult to say which team will do well in the tournament next year as it's about who performs well on that given day," he said.

Source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sachin-formula-for-wc-success/656908/

Vidya Stokes elected Hockey India President

The 82-year-old Vidya Stokes beat former Indian captain Pargat Singh to get elected as the President of Hockey India. Vidya got 41 votes as compared to Pargat Singh's 21 votes.

Vidya Stokes is a known figure in Sports Administration. She has been in charge of the Indian Women's Hockey Federation since 1984. His nomination raised many questions, as the government guidelines put the maximum age limit in sports bodies at 70.

Meanwhile, Narinder Batra trounced Gunjum Haider 44-18 to retain the post of Secretary General. Mushtaque Ahmed was elected the treasurer.

Source http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/sports/3256-vidya-stokes-elected-hockey-india-president.html

India off to a good start

Replying to Sri Lanka’s 425, India were 28 without loss in their first innings at tea on the second day of the third and final Test here on Wednesday.

Thilan Samaraweera was the top-scorer with 137 while skipper Kumar Sangakkara made 75. For India, left arm-spinner Pragyan Ojha picked up four for 115 while fast bowler Ishant Sharma scalped three for 72.

Brief Score: Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 425 all out in 138 overs (Thilan Samaraweera 137 not out, Kumar Sangakkara 75, Pragyan Ojha 4/115, Ishant Sharma 3/72).

India 1st innings: 28 for no loss in 7 overs (Virender Sehwag 21, M. Vijay 6).

Source http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/article551332.ece?homepage=true

Govt serious about CWG corruption cases: Gill

Sports Minister M S Gill today said that if fresh cases of corruption related to Commonwealth Games come up in future even after the end of the October 3-14 megaevent, the government will investigate into the charges and ensure "prompt and appropriate" action against the guilty.

"If things come in the future it will be looked into, after all October 16 is not the end of the show. I can assure you that the government is serious in this matter," Gill told reporters outside the Parliament.

"my take is very simple -- the ministry has been very clear in the last two years that any complaint of any kind will be dealt with very promptly and taken up with the appropriate authority," he said.

Replying to a volley of questions on cases of corruption in various Commonwealth Games related projects, Gill said, "What is in the papers is there, perhaps...There is nothing more to say on this."

To a poser on whether the government has recommended action against the alleged corrupt officials, he said the Sports Ministry has taken such cases into consideration and has been pressing for prompt action.

On the poor construction work of stadiums, Gill said as far as his ministry and the Sports Authority of India is concerned, the Central Public Works Department is the executing agency.

"In the last two years, we have given dates of starting and dates of completion (of work). They are ready...Nehru stadium, swimming stadium...I am aware. You bring up minor flaws in heavy rain but do look at the total picture in all fairness to the country and to us," he said.

The Minister said the Organising Committee has started taking over the Games venues and fine tuning of the stadiums would continue.

"The SAI and CPWD will be there to assist the OC stadium managers. The stadia will be ready and within two weeks you will begin to see," he said.

Source http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-serious-about-cwg-corruption-cases-gill/103767/on

CVC was asked not to inspect Games projects

Sprinter Sam Effah will likely play a key role on Canada's 4x100 relay team at the Commonwealth Games in India. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

After all the allegations of corruption in the Commonwealth Games (CWG) preparations, many are asking why it took so long to for the scams and financial irregularities to be disclosed. (Read: CWG: Rs 4 lakh for an AC, 9 lakh for a treadmill)

Now Sudhir Kumar, the chief Commissioner of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in 2006, has said that the CVC was asked not to inspect CWG projects. He also added that the Committee was asked to give a blanket exemption from vigilance action as there work was considered an "obstruction."(Watch: We The People: Commonwealth - Crumbling Games?)

"The representatives of the Delhi government and engineers from all agencies had met me around 2006. The (then) Chief Secretary of Delhi (R Narayanaswamy) was also present. CVC was asked to not inspect any of the CWG projects because this sort of vigilance would be considered an obstruction," Kumar said.

"There was a concern expressed by the then Delhi Government to the CVC to the effect that since they were starting to take up major projects, could CVC give them some kind of blanket assurance that no vigilance enquiries would be instituted now or taken up in the future for their sort of acts of omission and commission in the course of handling these projects," he added.

Kumar also said that hurried work always indicates corruption, and that the projects must last beyond the two weeks that the Games are held. "We all know that the amount of money put in is not just for those 15 days but, for a lifetime. My concern is whether it is going to last that," the former CVC said. (Watch: 'CVC was asked not to inspect Games projects')

The CVC has found serious discrepancies like award of works at higher rates to bidders, poor quality of construction and grant of work to ineligible agencies in different Games-related construction works being carried out by various departments in the Capital. (Read: CWG- Delhi's missed deadline)

As per the assessment report prepared by the CVC's Chief Technical Examination Wing, large-scale procedural violations, including corruption, have been noticed in 16 projects. The estimated worth of these projects about Rs 2,000 crore.

Six of them are being done by Public Works Department (PWD), three by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), two each by Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and one by RITES, a Government of India Enterprise, the report said.

The CTE Wing has made the assessment of construction projects following complaint of alleged corruption in them. The CVC has asked Chief Vigilance Officers to re-examine all the tenders and procurement process related to the projects.

Detractors say the report should not have been made public till the games were over. But the former CVC, Sudhir Kumar says the report is very timely, "I think they made it public so as to alert the authorities instead of just coming up with a list after the games."

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/cvc-was-asked-not-to-inspect-games-projects-41498?cp