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Richardson confirms international cricketer's bribery offer

Graham Joffe, in Cape Town

Former South African wicketkeeper Dave Richardson confirmed that a current international cricketer had made an offer to Pat Symcox on South Africa's tour of India in 1996. He, however, refused to name the player.

Pat Symcox and Dave Richardson were members of the team that toured India in 1996.

Refusing to name the international player, Richardson told the Edwin King Commission inquiring into match-fixing in cricket, that he was aware of the identity of the player but since Pat Symcox is unwilling to divulge the name, he believed that it would be inappropriate for him to reveal the identy of the player.

In a moment of rare light-heartedness in the court-room, Richardson joked: "Also you hear of all these threats and death threats, so maybe it's not a good idea."

This statement, of course, was in reference to the death threats that Dr. Bacher said Cronje had been receiving.

Richardson also said that too much cricket made many a series and tournaments meaningless.

He said: "The game is suffering from far too much cricket being played. It's now seen as just another cricket game and not something meaningful where you are playing for your country.

"In South Africa, in particular, there are a lot of young guys in the team who are not fully aware of all their responsibilities. The UCB must put people into managerial positions that know what it's all about. These guys need a father figure that can advise the youngsters on women, partying, finance and everything."

Richardson also confirmed that an informal team meeting did take place, where Cronje said that there was an offer to throw the Mohinder Amarnath benefit one-day game at the Wankhede, Bombay, at the fag end of the 1996 tour. The team, spearheaded by opening batsman Andrew Hudson, however, unanimously turned down the offer.

Dave also added that the coach, Bob Woolmer, knew about the offer that was made and claimed that it was not a secret.

"After the team had unanimously dismissed the idea, Bob Woolmer came in to discuss tactics. It was mentioned to Bob, so that shows it was no secret."

The wicketkeeper claimed that he never took part in betting and was never involved in match-fixing.

Judge Edwin King has adjourned the hearings until Thursday, stating that the court needed time for preparation and investigation.

Friday being a public holiday, it seems most likely that the hearings will start only next Monday with Hansie Cronje most likely to make his maiden appearance.

Earlier in the day, all-rounder Jacques Kallis also made his appearance before Justice King and denied any involvement in betting or match-fixing. He admitted, however, that Cronje had approached him to throw a match just before the second Test in Bangalore. Kallis turned down the offer and asked Cronje to get lost in harsh words.

Graham Joffe is a correspondent for Sport Africa