Dr Irani refuses to speak to media

Former India cricket team physio Dr. Ali Irani, who has been banned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for five years following match-fixing allegations, refused to speak to media persons even as his staff and colleagues at Nanavati Hospital in Bombay insisted "he is a fine doctor and a good human being".

Managing director of Nanavati Hospital Dr Mika Joseph said: "Irani has worked here for the last 13 years. He is a fine doctor and a good human being and I think we are lucky to have him with us.

"The physiotherapy department is one of our best and you can speak to his patients who refuse to believe or leave him."

Asked whether any action would be taken against Irani in wake of the ban, Dr Joseph said: "No comments."

A colleague of Irani, Dr Ashok Hatolkar, said: "We have full faith in him because he is still as good a doctor today as he was last night. I don't think just one news flash would change anything.

"Even assuming the charges are true, it will amount to an economic offence and Irani's competence as a doctor is beyond reproach," he said.

Though Irani was busy with his patients in the hospital, his secretary said he will not meet any reporters. "We have standing instructions not to let the media in."

Mail Cricket Editor