Ex-cricketer Maninder Singh to be produced in Delhi court today

Cricketer-turned-commentator Maninder Singh, who was detained for allegedly possessing 1.5 grams cocaine on Tuesday night, will be produced in a Delhi court today.

New Delhi, May 23 : Cricketer-turned-commentator Maninder Singh, who was detained for allegedly possessing 1.5 grams cocaine on Tuesday night, will be produced in a Delhi court today.

The Narcotics Branch of Delhi Police on Tuesday evening arrested Maninder from his East Delhi residence, along with a drug peddler Sayam Siddiqui and an unidentified Nigerian.

Maninder's close friend said he could not believe the charge.

"No, he does not take drugs. Drinks, whisky and rum everyone takes, but drugs. I have never seen him taking drugs," said R.D. Singh, his friend.

The former spinner, who made his debut in the Karachi Test against Pakistan in December, 1982 at 17 years of age, played 35 tests and 59 ODIs for India in his 11-year-long career.

The slow left-arm orthodox spin bowler, once considered heir to spinning legend Bishan Singh Bedi, made his last international appearance in 1993 and is now a TV commentator.

Maninder is better known in cricket annals as the last man out in the 1986 Madras Test, falling leg before wicket to Greg Matthew, resulting in a tie against Australia, only the second time in Test cricket history.

ANI