Kambli’s allegations are absolutely rubbish: Azhar

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After over 15 years, Vinod Kambli is back in the limelight again with claims that former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin could have fixed the 1996 World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka.

Azharuddin, meanwhile has rubbished Kambli's claims.

"I was stunned by India's decision to field. I was standing on one side and on the other end my fellow batsman was telling me that we would chase the target. However, soon after they quickly got out one by one. I don't know what transpired," Kambli told a television channel in a very emotional debate on former ICC anti-corruption unit chief Paul Condon's claim that many teams fixed matches in the late 1990s.

"Something was definitely amiss. However, I was not given a chance to speak and was dropped soon after. Our team manager at that time, Wadekar, was aware of everything," Kambli added.

Azharuddin has slammed the former cricketer saying he must have 'been sleeping when the decision to bowl was taken and it was a collective one'.

"Why did he wake up suddenly after 15 years? During my four-and-half year stint (with the national team), I used to frequently have dinner with Vinod. Had he told me about his suspicions then, I would have requested the board to probe the matter," Azharuddin said.

The former captain also refused further comment on the issue saying Kambli's comment meant disrespect to the squad of 1996 and it was a 'betrayal'.

Ajit Wadekar, who was the team manager then, has maintained the game was clean.