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Title: Demand to order a CBI inquiry on the affair of cricket match-fixing.

SHRI KAMAL NATH (CHHINDWARA): While I share Shri Rajesh Pilot’s views on the issue, that is not the issue which I am on. However, I would like to associate myself with what Shri Rajesh Pilot has said.

Sir, I have moved a Calling Attention Notice on the issue of match-fixing. Hon. Home Minister, who is an ardent cricket lover himself, is sitting here. I want to know as to what has happened to my notice. New events are taking place everyday. This is no longer a national affair, it has become an international affair. Names of large number of people – big, famous, eminent people – are being flaunted around. I had said in my notice that we should discuss this issue in the House. The Minister of Sports is holding some meetings, private or clandestine, I do not know. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come up with something and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come up with something else. The Home Minister is here. I would like to know from him as to whether he considers this matter serious enough to order a CBI inquiry into it. We have several agencies involved. The BCCI is saying that this will be handled by Delhi Police. Delhi Police are saying that they are going to give it to the Enforcement Directorate. This issue has ramifications not only of fraudulent fixing of matches but also of foreign exchange violation, criminal nexus, etc. Who are these bookies? What has been their role in this episode? Has it got links with the narcotics trade? The Home Minister may like to respond to these questions. I think there is no difference of opinion in the House on the point that a CBI inquiry should be conducted into this. Pending a CBI inquiry, cricket affairs be taken over by a body nominated by the Government because the very people who are being investigated are the people today who are trying to suppress this issue.