Alviro Petersen has reacted to a recent media report that linked him with the investigation by CSA into a Ram Slam ‘corruption scandal’.
Under the headline ‘Cricket crooks to be named’ in the Sunday Times on 26 June, Petersen’s name is mentioned, along with a photograph of himself and another former Proteas player, Thami Tsolekile.
Petersen issued the following statement to SA Cricket magazine, distancing himself from the accuracy of the report:
An article by Liam del Carme appeared in the Sunday Times on 26 June 2016 under the headline “Cricket crooks to be named”. The article is about investigations by Cricket South Africa’s investigation into a local T20 series corruption scandal.
The article, which is accompanied by photographs of Alviro Petersen and Thami Tsolekile, names Thami Tsolekile, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Alviro Petersen, Jean Symes, Phume Matshikwe and Ethy Mbhalati as players under investigation. It creates the impression that these players are being investigated for their involvement in the corruption scandal.
The precis of the article which appears on the Sunday Times website states that “the Sunday Times has learnt from well-placed sources that at least one former Proteas player will be slapped with a life ban for his role in the local T20 corruption scandal.” This article is accompanied by a photograph of Alviro Petersen only; there are no photographs of any other players. Clearly, the intention was to create the impression that Alviro Petersen is the player facing the lifetime ban.
Neither Alviro Petersen nor his representatives were contacted for comment before the publication of these articles.
Alviro Petersen was not involved in the T20 corruption scandal and has not been investigated for any involvement. He is certainly not in danger of being banned following CSA’s investigation into the scandal. Alviro reported the corruption to CSA when he became aware of it and has fully cooperated with CSA during its investigation. Alviro Petersen is confident that the investigation report will fully exonerate him.
Alviro Petersen is vehemently opposed to any form of corruption, match fixing or manipulation in the sport that he loves. He firmly believes that the fans have the right to see an honest contest and he will always do everything that he can to give them just that.
Robin Twaddle
Legal representative of Alviro Petersen
Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images
