SC denies cricketer's bail plea

“He has already been declared a proclaimed offender. He is running helter and skelter and why is he running away from the law,” a Bench headed by Justice H S Bedi asked.

The Court directed Martin, an Indian Railways player, to appear before the police and seek regular bail.

Martin (38), who had played in 10 one-day internationals for India after his debut against the West Indies in 1999 in Toronto, is accused of facilitating illegal stay of one of the players of a team which he took to England as manager.  The case was registered by Delhi police in 2004.

 Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, who appeared on behalf of Martin, sought cancellation of the non bailable warrant issued against him and time to appear before the police. But the Court turned down his plea noting that he had already been declared proclaimed offender on January 21, this year after a process for attachment of property was issued against him.

According to the police, Martin was the “main beneficiary” of the deal as he took the team in August, 2003.