UCB renews pledge to clean game

The United Cricket Board (UCB) renewed its pledge to rid the game of corruption after Hansie Cronje failed to have his life ban overturned on Wednesday.

The UCB banished Cronje from the game after he admitted to taking more than US$130,000 from gamblers and bookmakers to influence the course of matches.

The Pretoria High Court upheld the ban on Wednesday.

"The UCB is disappointed that this matter had to be resolved in a court of law, particularly as it had clarified the issues relating to the ban prior to the court date," a UCB statement said on Wednesday.

"The UCB is hopeful that this matter has now been put behind us. We will continue to commit all our resources and energies towards growing the game of cricket in a positive manner and to eradicate corruption from cricket."

Cronje's ban prevents him from being involved with any cricket played under the auspices of the UCB, which includes international, provincial, club and school levels.

He is allowed to coach at the few South African schools which are not affiliated to the United Schools Sports association of South Africa, a UCB affiliate.

Cronje may also pursue a career in the media, but would need accreditation from the UCB to work from the press box and is not allowed to interview players or officials at cricket grounds.

Mail Cricket Editor