South African vice-captain Nicky Boje has withdrawn from the national cricket squad’s tour to India next week after failing to get assurance by Delhi police that he would not be arrested for allegations of match-fixing.
He will be replaced by Highveld Lions fast-bowler Charl Langeveldt. Boeta Dippenaar takes over the vice-captaincy.
Boje’s decision follows advice from his lawyers that he should not go to India unless he is given a written assurance from the Indian police that he will not be arrested regarding these allegations.
Several requests have been made over the past six months, but the latest failed attempt came when the South African Deputy High Commissioner, Desmond Nxiweni, met with Delhi police Commissioner KK Paul, on Wednesday. Nxiweni sought a guarantee that the cricketer would not be detained.
Paul stated that Boje will be questioned in a way that will not interfere with the tour, but he has refused to put in writing that Boje will not be arrested.
”In these circumstances, I have taken the advice of my lawyers and will not tour,” said a disappointed Boje.
Boje had the full support of Gerald Majola, CEO of the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA).
”Exhaustive attempts have been made for the past six months by the UCBSA, the BCCI [Board of Control for Cricket in India] and the South African Department of Foreign Affairs in Pretoria and Delhi to get an assurance that Nicky will not be arrested but all have failed.
”We now respect Nicky’s decision to make himself unavailable for the tour,” said Majola.
Herschelle Gibbs has also opted out of the tour as he reportedly fears arrest over his alleged role in the match-fixing scandal, which dates back to March and April 2000.
The South African squad will assemble on Thursday for a training camp in Pretoria before leaving for India on November 11 for a two-Test tour. — Sapa