I'm confident of proving my innocence -- Mongia
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Baroda, November 5 : Former stumper Nayan Mongia on Sunday expressed his dismay over having been charged with match-fixing in the CBI report, saying he was not even a member of the Indian team for the two matches stated to have been fixed in the report.

``His (Azharuddin's) statment is totally false,'' Mongia told PTI here. ``The absurdity of the allegation can be gauged by the fact that I was not a member of the team in the two matches referred by Azharuddin,'' Mongia said.``My record speaks for me. Since 1995, I have never dropped any catches or missed stumping chances in the matches I played for the country. ``I am not a recognised batsman, so the question of my involvement in match-fixing or scandal does not arise.

``My inclusion in the team was as a wicket-keeper and I was doing my job perfectly and have played the game to the very best of my ability and skill.``I am always proud of representing the country, state or board,'' Mongia said. ``I will put before the commissioner of inquiry (of the cricket board) K Madhavan, my case whenever I am asked to appear before him and I am confident of proving my innocence,'' said Mongia and hoped to be back in the National team.

Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.