Alviro Petersen denies involvement in match-fixing scandal

Alviro Petersen denies involvement in match-fixing scandal

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Former South Africa opener Alviro Petersen, who was banned by Cricket South Africa yesterday for being involved in a match fixing scandal,has denied his direct involvement today. He did, however, admit to "playing along" with those involved in the match-fixing scandal in the domestic T20 tournament.

Yesterday the all-rounder was accused of fixing multiple matches in the 2015 RAM SLAM T20 Challenge Series. Petersen, who has been a part of the Lancashire setup for the last two years, has been charged with breach of contract under the Cricket South Africa's anti-corruption code.

But denying the allegations, his lawyer Robin Twaddle confirmed that Petersen rejected a plea bargain because he regards the charges as "heavy-handed", and would prefer to go to a tribunal instead. He also claimed to know of at least one other player who has not been charged by CSA.

In the statement, reported by ESPN Cricinfo, Twaddle wrote, "Alviro acknowledges and admits that he played along with other persons involved in the scandal so as not to alert them to the fact that an investigation was underway."

"Alviro was in constant contact with the investigative team from the time he reported his knowledge of the scandal until Bodi was charged and he gave information that he had received of actual plans to influence matches to the investigative unit."

Petersen, through his lawyer, said that he had reported fixing approaches but did not consider himself under investigation. He also said the ACSU was aware of his meetings and discussions with other players.

Terming the plea bargain by the Cricket South Africa as excessive, Petersen denied to accept the plea. 

“Whilst Alviro is willing to take responsibility for his actions over this period, although they were taken in good faith under the circumstances at the time, he could not reach agreement with CSA because he believes that the sanctions which would have been imposed were disproportionate to Alviro's actions and do not take sufficient cognisance of the defenses and mitigating circumstances put forward by Alviro," Twaddle wrote.

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