Gibbs,Boje available for Champions Trophy

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Johannesburg, Sep 1 (UNI) Decks were cleared for the return of Herschelle Gibbs and Nicky Boje to India after six years as both the batsman and the left-arm orthodox spin bowler made themselves available for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy taking place in India in October and November this year.

In a statement here, Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola clarified that the duo, ridden in match-fixing controversy, would cooperate with Delhi Police as well in the investigations if required.

''Herschelle and Nicky have confirmed that they will go to India if selected and that they will cooperate fully with any interviews which the Indian Police may wish to hold with them,'' Mr Majola said.

''Cricket South Africa will now put forward their names to the selection panel and support them in need, which we hope will assist in the investigation, in order to minimise any disruption to the team's training and playing programme. Their lawyers will also be available to take appropriate steps to protect all of their rights,'' he added.

The allegations against the pair arise out of taped telephone conversations between former South Africa captain Hansie Cronje and a bookmaker during the 2000 tour.

Cronje later confessed to have been involved with illegal bookmakers and was banned for life from the game, but died in an plane crash in 2002.

Gibbs, meanwhile said he was willing to cooperate and looking forward to play in the country.

''I recognise that the police have their processes to follow and I am sorry if it has appeared that I was critical of these. I think whatever I said may have been taken out of context,''he said ''I'm now really looking forward to representing my country in India at the ICC Champions Trophy,'' he added.

Gibbs and Boje have stressed that they have nothing to hide and that they understand, and will respect, the due process which the authorities are entitled to follow under these circumstances. They have indicated that they would like their lawyers to be present at any interviews with the police in India.

UNI XC DH AY RN1317

For Daily Alerts
Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
X