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India denies World Cup fix

Indian cricket reacted with shock and horror on Tuesday at suggestions that their cherished World Cup win over Pakistan last year may have been fixed.

With Indian players and officials themselves under scrutiny of the Central Bureau of Investigation, few were willing to comment on South African cricket boss Ali Bacher's sensational disclosure to the King commission that the super-six game between the arch-rivals was fixed.

But Indian cricket board secretary Jayawant Lele rubbished Bacher's statement -- just as he had dismissed claims by Delhi Police in April that former South African captain Hansie Cronje was involved in match-fixing.

"How can a match between India and Pakistan be fixed when both teams are out to get one another," the irrepressible Lele said. "Pakistan was keen on beating India because they had never beaten us in the World Cup."

Anshuman Gaekwad, India's coach at the World Cup, said he did not believe his team's 47-run win at Old Trafford was tainted. "It was a very competitive game," Gaekwad said. "Pakistan fought hard before going down. I went into the Pakistani dressing room after the match and the players were very depressed by the defeat."

That was India's only success in the super-six stage of the tournament. The 1983 champions did not make it to the semifinals.

Gaekwad was sacked as coach after the tournament, and replaced by Kapil Dev.

Pakistan, who had earlier crashed to an astonishing defeat by Bangladesh, went on to reach the final where they were swamped by Australia by eight wickets.

Cricket observers in India, not wanting to be identified fearing a backlash from the CBI, were dumbfounded at Bacher's match-fixing claims.

"The match took place at the height of the Kargil border clashes between India and Pakistan," a former Test star said. "Only a cricketer with very low morals would have gone against his own country in those days. It's a relief India won that game because you can only be bribed for losing, not winning," he said.

Pakistan, chasing India's modest 227-6 from 50 overs, were shot out for 180 in the 46th over.

Indian seamer Venkatesh Prasad finished with five for 27 and Javagal Srinath took three for 37 as Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was in cracking form during the tournament, top-scored for Pakistan with 41 off 93 balls. Saeed Anwar made 36 off 44 balls, while Moin Khan hit 34 off 37.