OWN CORRESPONDENT, London | Sunday 6.30pm.
FORMER West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara has dismissed as rubbish allegations by a South African businessman that he bet on matches seven years ago.
Lara, who played in the Test victory West Indies completed over England at Edgbaston on Saturday, said in The Mail on Sunday newspaper he was ”saddened and angry” over the claims.
”I never placed any bets nor did I give any information to a bookmaker regarding the likely scenario for the matches,” he said in an article under his name.
”I was never handed any money, whether for winning bets or otherwise. In short, I categorically deny all the allegations made against me; they are absolute and total rubbish.
West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Patrick Rousseau has demanded a thorough inquiry into the allegations.
”I am requesting that the WICB conduct a thorough investigation into this matter in keeping with our policy of dealing firmly but fairly with charges of impropriety in West Indies cricket,” Rousseau said on Saturday.
I have discussed these allegations with Brian Lara and he has denied any involvement with anyone as implied in the report.
”Until any allegation is proven, I accept Mr Lara’s position and support him fully.
A report in the Natal Witness on Friday quoted an unidentified businessman as saying he handed Lara R20000 ($3000) in betting winnings during a West Indies visit to South Africa in 1993.
A spokesman for South Africa’s United Cricket Board (UCB) said a statement from the businessman would be sent to the world governing body.
”The businessman has given a statement on the matter to the UCB which will be forwarded to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the King commission into match-fixing,” UCB communications manager Bronwynn Wilkinson said. — Reuters