Former New Zealand star Chris Cairns demands evidence at match-fixing investigation
Ex-New Zealand all-rounder fires another shot at investigation into match-fixing
Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns went on the front foot over ongoing match-fixing allegations on Sunday, and rounded on former teammates and high-profile officials, including the legendary Richard Hadlee.
He demanded his accusers produce details of what he is alleged to have done, and expressed disappointment that the New Zealand Cricket board, of which Hadlee is a member, had apparently turned their back on him.
Cairns is one of three former New Zealand players, along with Daryl Tuffey and Lou Vincent, tied to an International Cricket Council (ICC) match-fixing probe. But 10 weeks after the ICC confirmed the investigation, Cairns said no one had approached him.
Surely there should be some onus on the ICC or other governing bodies to come forward and present some reliable evidence to justify the investigation
"Surely there should be some onus on the ICC or other governing bodies to come forward and present some reliable evidence to justify the investigation," he said.
"The current rumour and speculation, which has been widely reported around the world, is doing untold damage."
Cairns said he had heard English police were now in New Zealand as part of the investigation and the ICC had contacted his ex-wife Carin in South Africa.
"The impact of this on my career and the professional opportunities in front of me is very serious ... while this dark cloud hangs over me, my ability to work and provide for my family is almost non-existent."
