Date:13/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/13/stories/2003021306192200.htm

Sport - World Cup

Latif cleared

Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has been cleared of a charge that he made a racist comment towards Australia's Adam Gilchrist during a World Cup match, Pakistan manager Shaharyar Khan said today.

``Rashid Latif has been completely cleared from any wrongdoing he was charged with,'' Khan said after emerging early from an hour-long International Cricket Council (ICC) hearing. ``He has said he has the highest regard for Adam Gilchrist as a person.''

The alleged incident happened during Tuesday's Group A match, which Australia won by 82 runs.

Gilchrist informed his team management about the remark, which in turn reported the matter to the ICC's match referee Clive Lloyd.

After the match, Lloyd summoned the two players and the respective managers, Steve Bernard of Australia and Shahraryar Khan of Pakistan, for a hearing.