Azhar's Mercedes: Gulf News reported that a leading Pakistani jeweller in Dubai, Ary, did gift Azharuddin, captain of the Indian team for the Coca Cola trophy in November 1998, a Mercedes Benz during a lucky draw. Azhar when contacted in Mumbai declined to comment.
Now it's umpires: Two top South African umpires have now come out with disclosures. Umpire Cyril Mitcheley said he was offered $50,000 to ensure Pakistan did not lose the last of a three test home series against Australia--which the hosts won 1-0--in 1996. Umpire Rudi Koertzen did not disclose the amount but said he was approached during a match between India and West Indies in last year's one-day series in Singapore.
