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UCBSA motivated by deep antipathy: Cronje
Jan 09, 2001, 18:00 Hrs (IST)

Johannesburg: Sacked cricket captain Hansie Cronje is seeking a court order to review a life ban, claiming it unlawfully prevents him from promoting and coaching cricket among underprivileged children, according to press reports on Tuesday.

In papers filed at the Pretoria High Court against the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA), which imposed the ban, Cronje says he does not dispute the termination of his contract or the playing ban, and does not intend to resume a professional playing career, 'The Citizen' daily reported.

Cronje, however, stresses that the UCBSA has no legal powers to regulate his participation in matters connected to cricket beyond his playing career, and believes that he should be allowed to make amends for his conduct, the Johannesburg-based 'Star' reported.

"The best way in which I can do that is to use the talent, skills and expertise, which I have acquired in cricket and to promote the game in the field of coaching and developing, particularly the coaching of underprivileged children", Cronje says.

Cronje describes how several communities, schools and clubs have sought his help, but apart from donating kits, it was thought best that he did not take part in these activities or attend the matches where he was invited, because of the ban.

"All these activities were undertaken on a purely voluntary basis, without remuneration ... I wish very much to continue with these activities ... If I obtain the (court) relief I seek in these proceedings, it is my intention to extend my activities along these lines", Cronje said.

In his application, Cronje also accuses the UCBSA of being motivated by a deep and abiding personal antipathy toward him, and of trying to damage his future employment prospects in an utterly unreasonable and purely vindictive manner.

The UCBSA announced its intention in October to ban Cronje from all aspects of game after firing him in April when he admitted to having taken money from bookmakers.

The UCBSA has said it would defend the ban in court against the application to have it overturned. No date has been set yet for a hearing.

Copyright AFP 2000