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'It's definitely inexcusable. I should think this will be the end of his career'

The news of Hansie Cronje's admission of not being "entirely honest" about his involvement in match-fixing on the recent tour to India was met with shock by former national team manager and selector S K Reddy yesterday.

Reddy, who knows Cronje as a person and cricketer -- since he was on the selection panel which introduced the batsman to international cricket in 1992, said: "I'm rather surprised; absolutely shocked. He should have known better. He's an experienced cricketer and captain. You can't find any excuses for it. Natural justice must be seen to be done. It doesn't matter to what extent (he has been dishonest).

"The point is that he has admitted to being dishonest. It's definitely inexcusable. I should think this will be the end of his career. As an ex-national selector I can't see how they can condone such behaviour."

Indeed, Cronje's admission of dishonesty destroys not only the reputation of South African cricket but will also impact negatively on the development of the game amongst the disadvantaged community.

Said Reddy: "The unfortunate part of it is that he is held in such high esteem across the country. Last night a friend telephoned me and told me about how his grandson was in tears after hearing the allegations. This 10-year-old has taken it so badly because he worships Cronje. You can see what a great role model Cronje is."

India was instrumental in South Africa's readmission to world cricket after isolation and was the first country to host the Proteas during the historic 'Friendship Tour' in October 1992. And ironically it is India who has blown the whistle on the match-fixing fiasco.

"It is sad. We've had a clean slate so far. A lot of people will be devastated. We have always tried very hard to run a clean organisation. And on tours we have steered clear of such things.

"I'm sure the International Cricket Council will step in pretty strongly. They've been trying for quite some time to put a stop to match-fixing and I hope they do make successful efforts," said Reddy, who is personally shaken by the revelations.

He added: "I have a lot of respect for Hansie as a person and a captain. I'm one of those who is really devastated. It all comes as an absolutely shock to me. From the time we brought him into the international team (1992), and as the manager of the team, I worked very closely with him. During two tours, to Pakistan and the four-month tour to England (1998) I spent a lot of time with him. It is such a shock. He never gave any indications of his actions.

"I've been with the UCB right from the start and I am proud of all we have set up. That is why I am depressed over this which is going to drag us down. I'm so devastated."