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Lara denies betting charges

Our Correspondent in Cape Town

Former West Indies' captain Brian Lara denied on Saturday allegations a South African businessman made that he, Lara, had betted on matches seven years ago.

A report in the Natal Witness on Friday reported an unidentified businessman as saying he handed Lara R20 000 ($ 3,000) in exchange for information during the 1993 West Indies tour of South Africa.

The Times, London, had alleged that Lara placed wagers on individual performances during matches in a triangular tournament in South Africa in 1993, and also gave forecasts to a bookmaker.

In a statement issued during the third day's play of the first Test between West Indies and England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Indies' manager Ricky Skerrit said Lara had denied the allegations.

"We are assured by Brian Lara the allegations are without foundation," Skerrit said.

Earlier, a spokeswoman for South Africa's United Cricket Board said the businessman's statement would be sent to the world governing body.

"The businessman has given a statement on the matter to the UCB which will be forwarded to the International Cricket Council and the King commission into match-fixing," UCB communications manager Bronwynn Wilkinson said.

According to The Times, the UCB had received the a statement signed by the Cape Town businessman who claims he handed around £ 4,500 to the West Indian batsman and that the statement will be passed on to the King Commission.

The newspaper does not suggest Lara was involved in match-fixing and the affidavit does not specify whether he placed bets on games in which he was involved. Also, the ICC Code of Conduct outlawing betting did not come into force until July 1 that year.