Azharuddin calls Kambli's match-fixing allegations 'third-class'

Mohammad Azharuddin, who was India's captain during the 1996 World Cup, denied any wrong-doing in the 1996 semi final on Friday as he slammed Vinod Kambli for his claims.

In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Azharuddin said, "I want to say that Kambli's allegations are absolutely wrong. He has made an absolutely third class statement. I don't know why he is crying. I have said before that it was a team decision (to bowl first), even the coach said that. I think he was sleeping during the team meetings".

Earlier, former batsman Vinod Kambli had raised questions by saying that the decision to bowl first after winning the toss in the 1996 semi final had puzzled him. He also said that the match ended his career.

The former Indian skipper also slammed Kambli's performance in the team. "He should be happy and the thankful for the amount of cricket he got to play. All the players knew about his character. He was dropped on the basis of his performance and the claims of him being a scapegoat are baseless.", added Azharuddin.

India had fallen to 120/8 in pursuit of Sri Lanka's 251-run total which saw India exit the tournament.

Tags: vinod kambli, Mohammad azharuddin, 1996 World Cup semifinal