Cricket chief in legal row

Former board president IS Bindra has alleged wrongdoing

Cricket's top official, Jagmohan Dalmiya, has become embroiled in a legal row over allegations of corruption.

Mr Dalmiya, chairman of the International Cricket Council - the game's governing body - filed anti-defamation cases against three publications on Thursday.

I have not been given an opportunity to present my defence

Jagmohan Dalmiya

One of the publications - the Indian weekly magazine Outlook - says it will contest the case. Another magazine, India Today, says it has not yet received notice of the action and the UK-based Sunday Telegraph has not commented.

The Indian cricket board has also decided to issue a legal notice to former President IS Bindra, for making allegations against cricket officials and players.

Legal challenge

Outlook magazine issued a statement saying it would "vigorously" contest the defamation suit filed by Mr Dalmiya.

India Today editor, Prabhu Chawla, said he had not received any legal notice as yet but would "give an appropriate legal response" when they got it.

Jagmohan Dalmiya: Wants his side heard

Mr Dalmiya also filed a suit against The Sunday Telegraph, over allegations concerning television rights for a recent cricket tournament.

The newspaper said it had received a copy of the lawsuit and therefore could not comment.

All three petitions were filed in the Calcutta High Court, in Mr Dalmiya's home town.

He said: "There have been several articles in recent times against me which I have consistently tried to deny.

"It is normal practice to take the other side of the story but in these cases I have not been given an opportunity to present my defence."

Board moves

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a legal notice to former President, IS Bindra.

Mr Bindra has made a series of allegations against cricket officials, including Mr Dalmiya and some of the game's stars - notably former captain Kapil Dev, saying they were involved in malpractice.

The current BCCI President, AC Muttiah, said that Mr Bindra had told the board that he was unable to explain his statements because of restrictions placed on him by investigating agencies.

Mr Muttiah said the board planned to issue a legal order demanding Mr Bindra explain all his allegations of malpractice.

The cricket world was shrouded in controversy last month after it was revealed that the South African cricket captain, Hansie Cronje, had received money from bookmakers in exchange for information.

Since then, several allegations on betting and match-fixing have surfaced and in India, the matter is being investigated by its highest investigating body - the Central Bureau of Investigation.