Border's CEO being investigated

Reunert Bauser, the chief executive of Border Cricket Board (BCB), is being investigated for alleged misappropriation of funds after a raid on the board's offices last Thursday.

According to the South African Press Association, Bauser has been accused of using some of the proceeds from the 2003 World Cup for air tickets to the UK worth R20,000 (£1,800), and a further R400,000 (£36,000) that was earmarked for the Border Bears team.

Bauser, who was in the UK at the time of the raid last week, vehemently denied the allegations and, according to his lawyer, earlier financial statements were found to have no irregularities when vetted by auditors. Bauser believes there may be a "vendetta" against him.

But Vido Mgadla, the president of the BCB, denied any suggestions of a vendetta on Wednesday, and said, "This is bad for Border cricket and the sooner the matter is sorted out the better." Asked what might happen if Bauser were to be found guilty, Mgadla joked: "I suppose the wicket will have to be prepared all over again but I hope not."

The BCB has launched its own investigation, which is expected to conclude on Friday.