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Azhar named in Chawla tape

A Correspondent

The Delhi Crime Branch possess tapes wherein disgraced South Africa ex-captain Hansie Cronje and bookie Sanjeev Chawla name Azharuddin, according to a report in Bombay eveninger Mid-Day.

The conversation allegedly occurred before the third one-day international between India and South Africa at Faridabad on March 15. The Proteas won the tie with two wickets to spare.

In the taped conversation, wherein Robin Singh, Ajay Jadeja and Nikhil Chopra, Sanjeev Chawla calls Azhar a 'loudmouth' and the two decide that he should not make any money on learning that South Africa was throwing the game.

The transcript of the alleged conversation between Cronje and Chawla goes thus:

Hansie:What team are India playing?

Sanjeev:He (Amit) is trying to find out but I doubt if they are going to play a weaker team because none of the players have a secure place like Ajay or Azhar or Robin. So I am sure that they would play. They would not change the winning combination.

Hansie:You think so?

Sanjeev:I think.

Hansie:You must find out what team they are playing before we can do anything.

Sanjeev: All right OK but what if we cannot find out.

Hansie: No, you will able to find out. I am sure you will able to. Azhar must have an idea.

Sanjeev: I cannot get through the hotel number. And if I phone anybody. I... well, I know Chopra, I know Ajay but if I phone them you know then it is going to be a bit suspicious because I hardly speak...to them today. I speak to them whenever I see them face to face otherwise....

Hansie:Yeah.

Sanjeev:If I phone them it can be very suspicious.

Hansie:Also find out what is going on...

Sanjeev:Yeah....about Azhar, you know he is one big mouth. He is going to make money out of nothing without his involvement.

Hansie:OK.

Sanjeev:I am sure he is going to get a hint and is going to tell his people to put money on India.

Hansie:OK, don't worry.

Sanjeev:Should I phone you back in 15-20 minutes.

Cronje: That be.

Sanjeev: 15 minutes.

Hansie: That's perfect.