'Time not right for Cronje return'

Disgraced former captain Hansie Cronje could play a part in the future of South African cricket, but not yet, vice-president of the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) Robbie Kurz said on Thursday.

Kurz was reacting to statements made on Australian radio by board president, Percy Sonn, who said that the UCB could not 'play God' with Cronje's future.

Kurz was keen to explain the wider context within which he believed Sonn's remarks should be taken.

"I haven't spoken with Percy but we've said all along that given time, rehabilitation and remorse there's every opportunity that he (Cronje) can play a part in the future of South African cricket, although obviously he will never play again," Kurz told Reuters.

"It does not, however, mean that his return is in any way imminent. There are certainly no recommendations on the table at present," Kurz said.

Sonn had earlier told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that South African cricket was prepared to forgive Cronje for his actions and find a role for him in the future.

"Who are we to damn people forever," Sonn said in the interview. "Our board is not God in terms of determining what rehabilitation is sufficient. Hansie deserves to enjoy all the freedom of South African society. He is a child of the United Cricket Board.

"We will look at it but I am sure there is a place for Hansie in South African cricket and South African society in general," Sonn said.

Earlier, UCB managing director Gerald Majola moved to clarify the board's position, saying that Sonn was speaking purely in his personal capacity.

"At the moment Cronje has been banned for life and nothing has changed. In the future, if the board is approached, that may change, but at the moment, nothing is on the table," Majola said.

Cronje, whose role in match-fixing rocked cricket, failed last year to overturn his life ban but a court ruled he could take part in certain coaching and media activities.

Also read:
- 'Cronje admits to being untruthful'
- Why did honest Hansie turn crooked Cronje?
- Text of a statement released by Hansie Cronje
- Charges are rubbish, says Cronje
- South Africans involved in match-fixing, says Delhi Crime Branch
- Hansie Cronje interview
- Text of Hansie Cronje's confession
- Statement by Hansie Cronje
- The Transcript of the Hansie Cronje Interview

Mail Cricket Editor