Former India captain Ajit Wadekar has called for the ban on cricketers Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja to be lifted, saying the Central Bureau of Investigation has not filed any charges against the two in the match-fixing scandal.

"The BCCI had been harsh on these two cricketers. Both Azhar and Jadeja should be allowed to play in domestic cricket, and if they perform well they should be considered for selection in the national team," said Wadekar, in Lucknow, on Thursday.

"The board should decide soon as age is not on their side," he added.

Azharuddin and Jadeja were banned for life and five years respectively for their alleged involvement in match-fixing.

Wadekar, who was in Lucknow in connection with the second One-Day International for the disabled -- between India and England -- said India is a strong contender for the World Cup in South Africa, after Australia.

"Our batting line-up is quite formidable. But we don't have bowlers of the calibre of (Bishen Singh) Bedi, (EAS)
Prasanna and (B S) Chandrasekhar," he said, adding: "Kumble is our best bet as he is the most experienced bowler in the side."

Wadekar also opined that too much one-day cricket is proving an obstacle in the development of world class spinners in the country.

On the much debated subject of Tendulkar's batting order in one-dayers, Wadekar said: "Sachin is capable of batting at any position. Besides it (he batting down) strengthens the middle order."