Williams records statement; fans want Cronje be pardoned

Williams, spin bowler Nicky Boje, opening batsman Herchelle Gibbs and former skipper Hansie Cronje have been named by Delhi Police as being involved in match-fixing.

“Henry has given his statement and now, as I understand it, the prosecution advocate will decide whether it is worth putting him in the dock or not”, said former cricketer and Boland cricket chairman Andre Bruyns who accompanied Williams.

Boje and Gibbs said they would make their statements through their lawyers next week.

Former wicketkeeper Dave Richardson, representative of all the players, said in an interview that they had appointed lawyer and an advocate to represent them at the hearings.

“They will represent the players in their personal capacities,” said Richardson.

The commission appointed by South African government is headed by retired judge Edwin King and will begin its official public hearings from June 7.

The South African public waiting for the Commission to start its public hearings on June 7, have written to newspapers and telephoned talk shows to say they would like the truth to be made public.

Many people have called for leniency to be shown to Cronje and for him to be pardoned.

“Every body makes a mistake,” has been the common theme among those who want Cronje to be pardoned. They have pointed out that Cronje has made a mistake and he should not be punished for ever by taking away his livelihood.

No tapes with Mumbai Police
MUMBAI: The Mumbai Police on Saturday said no tapes relating to cricket match-fixing were in their possession.

According to Crime Branch sources, Mumbai Police have communicated to CBI, investigating match-fixing allegations in Indian cricket, that they do not possess any tapes allegedly containing conversation between some cricketers and bookies.