I'll answer questions on IPL spot-fixing when the time comes: MS Dhoni

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today refused to break the BCCI gag on him in answering questions on the spot-fixing scandal that has hit IPL except to say that some players are "slightly mentally weak" compared to others. (What all Dhoni said at the press conference apart from IPL)

Addressing a press conference here ahead of the Champions Trophy, he made it clear that he would not answer questions relating to the recent controversies, saying he would definitely speak at the right time.

At the brief press conference, an ICC official reminded the journalists that the interaction should be limited to the Champions Trophy much like the Indian team media manager's intervention during the pre-departure press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday. (Also read: No gag orders on Dhoni, says BCCI)

Dhoni had come under severe attack from media and commentators for his silence in refusing to answer questions at the Mumbai interaction. (Related read: Laxman says greedy players affecting credibility of others)

"If I have not answered Indian journalists, there is no reason why I should answer you...at the right time (I will speak)," he said in reply to a question today by a reporter who asked him about the spot-fixing scandal. (When Dhoni's silence had infuriated all)

Asked if the Champions Trophy is an opportunity to "restore the reputation" of Indian cricket, Dhoni said, "It is not that the reputation has gone. If I go ahead to explain that I would rather answer his question also. When the right time comes, I will answer it.

"As of now, I dont think we have lost the opportunity because whatever the set up is throughout out the world or any sport, still you have some people who would be slightly mentally weak as compared to some of the others. I would have loved to elaborate but at the right time I will do it", he said.

"I'll answer questions about the spot-fixing scandal at the right moment. Let's just say there are some people in Indian cricket who are mentally weak," said Dhoni at a press conference in Birmingham, England on Thursday.

However Dhoni did go on to say that the reputation of Indian cricket is still 'intact'. "Indian cricket's reputation is not affected by the spot-fixing scandal. I have not answered questions regarding this (scandal) to the Indian media and I will not answer the English media as well," added Dhoni.

The skipper also explained his stance on refusing to yield to IPL spot-fixing related questions. "I will definitely answer questions on the controversy at the right time. I want to keep the team away from everything but the Champions Trophy at the moment." Dhoni reaffirmed that the team would not get distracted in their preparation for the 8-team ICC event.

When pressed further on the issue, Dhoni said "well, you are just forcing me to answer but definitely when the time comes I will answer".

Q: Imagine if you win the Champions Trophy, the faith of Indian fans will be restored?

A: Well, I know one thing I am a person who lives in the present, I don't really believe in imagining. I believe in doing the stuff right.

Q: Expand on it, do you look the same cool, relaxed guy as you have been over the years?

A: You are just forcing me to answer a few things but definitely when the time comes I will answer that. Just want to keep our side away from everything as of now.

(With PTI inputs)