Cronje 'frustrated' by life ban

Former South Africa captain Hansie Cronje says he is frustrated by his life ban from cricket because he feels he could still serve the game at grassroots level.

Cronje was banned for life by the United Cricket Board for his involvement in the match-fixing scandal which rocked cricket last year.

In a contribution to the website of his former colleague Jonty Rhodes, Cronje said: "At the end of my playing career I wanted to help some of the local schools with equipment and a bit of coaching, but was denied the opportunity to contribute by the life ban.

"I found this a bit frustrating, because some of the schools here, especially in the rural townships were desperate for equipment.

"Part of the UCB's statement was to say that I have to rehabilitate first, but I feel this was a way of proving that my intentions were genuine.

"Anyway, I will help wherever I can and will always be willing to help, should the decision be changed in the future."

Cronje is to mount a court challenge to his ban in Pretoria from September 26 to 28.

UCB president Percy Sonn said on Friday that the looming legal battle precluded comment on whether the ban stopped Cronje from donating equipment to schools.

"We're on our way to court and I don't want to comment," Sonn said. "But Hansie doesn't do himself any favours by nit-picking like this."

Cronje said that since the ban was imposed he has been studying for a second degree at university, playing a little golf and, with his wife, had started a club for disabled athletes.

"It gives me great joy to see the enthusiasm of these athletes. We still have a lot of work ahead of us but I am really excited about the project," he wrote.

"Our long-term goal will be to supply world-class athletes to the South African team at the Paralympics."

He commended the South African team on winning both the Test and one-day series on their tour of West Indies.

"I don't believe the general public in South Africa appreciates just how difficult that tour is after the long South African season," Cronje wrote.

"Well done to (captain) Shaun (Pollock) and Fordie (coach Graham Ford), they have formed a formidable partnership."

Mail Cricket Editor