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The best of times; the worst of times

Roshan Paul

If there's one lasting image of Hansie Cronje's batsmanship, it's his down-on-one-knee swipe over mid-wicket. This time, however, he is firmly planting his best foot forward to take on whatever the world has in store for him.

For starters, the former South African captain has decided to utilize the services of Max Clifford, England's top PR man, in a damage control media campaign. Recently, Clifford told The Observer that Cronje, with proper management, could limit the extent of the stigma that surrounds him and perhaps even "commercially exploit" the story that has caused shock waves around the cricket world.

Clifford has a great reputation for his ability to have the media portray fallen heroes in a positive vein. According to The Observer, Clifford has said that Cronje could make up to 500,000 pounds through deals involving books, newspapers and television interviews. Having built up his reputation by representing sportsmen like O.J. Simpson, Muhammad Ali and Geoff Boycott after scandals had rocked their lives, Clifford probably knows what he is talking about.

And Cronje is certainly taking him seriously. After reading the article, he is now planning a trip to London to meet with Clifford, who will represent him in all his dealings with the press, television and radio.

However, before even having met Clifford, the much-reviled former captain is already planning a book that tells his side of the tale. He has made a deal with Clive Rice, a former South African captain, whereby Rice is negotiating with publishers for the best possible deal.

When questioned, Rice admitted, "I'm busy working on it…The pasting that Hansie has taken in all this has been amazing. I don't support him in terms of his insider trading, but this is an opportunity for him to tell his side of the story."

It is also an opportunity for Cronje to recoup some of the money he will soon lose. Not only does he face huge legal bills following the King Commission, but his admission to having accepted secret cash payments leaves him open to a substantial tax penalty. Both of these together threaten him with financial ruin.

Thus, Cronje is keen to make up some of his losses; and is scouting for a good deal on a book. However, the amount of the deal will certainly depend on what he plans to reveal in his book.

Here, he faces a dilemma. For if he reveals more in the book than he did in Judge King's courtroom, that could jeopardize his immunity agreement; which was brokered on the condition that Cronje would offer full and frank disclosure before the Commission.

Thus, while Cronje is, creditably, on the front foot in an attempt to pick up the pieces of his life, he will find few juicy half volleys to put away. The road ahead will not be smooth.

The Betting Scandal: The full story