/ 5 December 2007

Boje back in Indian police’s sights

Indian police have summoned former South Africa all-rounder Nicky Boje for questioning over a 2000 match-fixing case, they said on Wednesday.

Boje and teammate Herschelle Gibbs were named in a Delhi police investigation into cricket corruption during South Africa’s tour seven years ago, which led to a life ban for then-captain, the late Hansie Cronje.

”We have sent a notice asking Boje to make himself available for questioning,” Delhi police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told Reuters. The date has yet to be decided.

Boje (34), who quit the international stage in December 2006, is now playing in the unapproved Indian Cricket League Twenty20 tournament.

”He will be joining the investigations for the first time,” Bhagat said.

Batsman Gibbs, who accepted an offer of money from Cronje to under-perform, was banned for six months by his national board after an inquiry in South Africa.

Boje was let off because there was no evidence linking him to match-fixing.

Delhi police say the investigation remains open and questioned Gibbs last year before the ICC Champions Trophy, when he travelled to India for the first time since 2000.