Mongia: ‘There was no evidence against me’

Out of favour India cricketer, who was charged with match-fixing during his stint with the now-defunct ICL, expects BCCI to hear his case.

Dinesh Mongia steadfastly denied his involvement in the ICL corruption allegation

It is a strange case. At least Dinesh Mongia believes it to be. The former left-handed India batsman went out of favour for having joined the now-defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2007.

Playing for Chandigarh Lions, Mongia was charged with match-fixing. Former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent named him and fellow countryman Chris Cairns in a London court in 2015.

Mongia steadfastly denied his involvement in the ICL corruption allegation. “There was no evidence against me. I was the only player not to receive BCCI’s amnesty to the ICL players. Ambati Rayudu earned a reprieve (for signing up with ICL) and went on to play for India. I am the only one to have been denied,” said Mongia.

“Is it not strange that the BCCI never banned me but has not responded to my requests to clear my dues. I have written to the BCCI and PCA (Punjab) but have not heard from them. I hope someone in the BCCI hears my case, just as they have Mohammad Azharuddin’s,” Mongia, 40, added.

Mongia had an impressive first-class record of 121 matches apart from 57 ODI appearances for India. He was the top scorer (38) in his only T20 match which India won against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2006. His final India assignment was at Dhaka in an ODI against Bangladesh in May 2007.