Statement on Hansie Cronje

The President of the ICC, Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya, commenting on the Cronje situation in South Africa today said: "The news concerning Hansie Cronje is a very big shock to everyone in world cricket.

His admission and other allegations made by the police in India require an immediate and thorough investigation and ICC awaits an early outcome.

We welcome the announcement today that UCBSA will establish an independent Enquiry into the Cronje matter and have advised them to conduct the Enquiry as soon as possible.

The report from that Enquiry will be forwarded to the Chairman of the ICC Code of Conduct Commission, Lord Griffiths, for review in accordance with the procedures set down by ICC for the Commission.

We have said before, and re-state in the clearest possible manner, that any attempt to interfere with the fair conduct of our sport is totally unacceptable to ICC and to the hundreds of millions of people throughout the world who love cricket.

Those who seek to tarnish the image of cricket in this manner must be brought to justice. We will continue to co-operate with the police and where it is in cricket's power to take action, ICC will do so decisively through the Code of Conduct Commission."