Match-fixing: South Africa to seek India's explanation

JOHANNESBURG, APRIL 8. The South African Government and cricket establishment today reacted sharply to the manner in which the Delhi police handled the alleged match-fixing scandal in which five of its players have been named. The Government said it would contact Indian authorities to voice its concern.

The Foreign Minister, Mr. Aziz Pahad, had given an assurance that the government ``would seek an explanation for reports that players' telephones were tapped while they were on an official cricket tour of India'', the UCBSA spokesperson, Mr. Bronwyn Wilkinson, said in a statement.

The Government would also seek an explanation from their Indian counterparts ``regarding the process by which the allegations against the players were made public''.

Cronje denies charges

Earlier, captain Hansie Cronje vehemently denied the charges of match fixing made on Friday by the Delhi police saying they were ``without substance''. ``I am stunned,'' he said in a statement distributed by the UCBSA.

``The allegations are completely without substance. I have been privileged to play for South Africa since 1992 and I want to assure every South African that I have made a 100 per cent effort to win every match that I have played.''

``It has been an honour to play for South Africa and I would never do anything to let my country down.''

- AFP

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : NAM bid to revive spirit of cooperation
Next     : More characters tumble in