New Delhi, August 21: Former Indian cricket team batsman Jacob Martin has received significant relief from the Patiala House Court, which acquitted him in a 22-year-old case. The court dismissed all charges against Martin related to a 2004 incident.
Martin faced allegations regarding a fake UK immigration stamp, travel arrangements, and financial transactions, but these claims could not be substantiated. The court found no solid or credible evidence linking him to any financial dealings or control over Ajwa Sports Club. Several witnesses also failed to corroborate the accusations.
Speaking to the media, Martin explained that the case stemmed from an incident in 2004 when a member of his team overstayed his UK visa and returned to India with a fake immigration stamp. Initially, Martin’s name was not included in the FIR, but it was later added.
He recounted, “In 2004, our team went to England. Everyone returned except one player who overstayed his six-month visa. He managed to get a fake stamp. Upon returning to India, he was deported from the UK and detained at New Delhi Airport for questioning.”
Martin added, “I was not named in the FIR, but due to my prominence, I was dragged into this case during the investigation. Over these 22 years, I received no response from the BCCI. I lost my job in the railways, which caused me significant stress. Now, I have received a clean chit. This is a major turnaround in my life.”
Jacob Martin, who played domestic cricket for Baroda, Assam, and Railways, represented the Indian cricket team in 10 One Day Internationals from September 1999 to October 2021, scoring 158 runs in 8 innings.
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