Lara denies betting accusation

BIRMINGHAM, JUNE 17. Brian Lara has told the management of the West Indies team that allegations that he placed bets on matches during a tour of South Africa are ``without any foundation.''

The manager Reg Skerritt placed a block on further questioning by stating ``we will not be participating in any further discussion on this matter'' and telling those who wanted to dig deeper that ``any further queries on the allegation should be referred to the West Indies Cricket Board.''

It sounds as if the story might merit further investigation. The Times, under the headline `Lara alleged to have placed bets in South Africa,' today said that an affidavit alleging that Lara placed bets on individual performances and gave forecasts to a bookmaker while playing in a triangular tournament in South Africa in 1993 was being sent to the International Cricket Council.

The statement, The Times story continued, was signed by a Cape Town businessman who claims he handed over an envelope containing more than 20,000 rand in cash for winnings to Lara was received by Clifford Green, the lawyer for the South African board. It is to be forwarded to the King Commission now investigating match- fixing.

There is no suggestion apparently that Lara is involved in anything to do with match-fixing or that he bet on games in which he was involved. He played in all seven games and scored two centuries. However, it is alleged that he gave information to the anonymous businessman who says: ``I remember him distinctly informing us that it would be useful to always bet against David Callaghan because he was uncomfortable against fast bowling.''

- Ted Corbett

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Section  : Sport
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