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'I was not involved in fixing or manipulating the results of cricket matches. I always played to win'

Following is the text of a statement released on Thursday by deposed South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje:

''I find myself in an awful predicament brought about by my own foolishness and naivety. I realise that I face certain personal difficulties of my own making, but what concerns me most is the hurt and disappointment that I have caused my wife and family, cricket fans throughout South Africa, the United Cricket Board and my teammates in the South African Proteas cricket side.

''Some of my teammates have come under the spotlight as a result of the police inquiries in India. I know of no member of any side that I have led who has done anything reprehensible or wrong. Speculation and criticism directed against other members of the team is wrong and unjustified.

''As the authorities are at present unwilling to make available the information on which allegations have been made against me, it is unfair and impossible for me to respond to them at this stage.

''There is to be an inquiry in South Africa and possibly other legal proceedings. Until there is greater clarity concerning the basis of these allegations, I have been advised that it is inappropriate for me to comment on them and on the rumours and speculation which are in circulation.

''All I will say is that I was not involved in fixing or manipulating the results of cricket matches. I always played to win.

''The only light that I have seen in these last few dark days has been the magnificent victory of Shaun (Pollock) and his team against Australia last night.

''I cannot begin to express the emotion I felt when that side emerged victorious and it must be indicative of the morale and commitment of that side to have won so high profile a game under the circumstances in which they found themselves.

''I am truly proud to have been associated with this side, one and all, and wish Shaun and the rest of the team nothing but success in the future.''

The betting scandal: The full story