New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has promised to support Brendon McCullum after former Test all-rounder Chris Cairns was acquitted of perjury in London.
The former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns was charged for match-fixing in multiple matches during 2008 ICL (Indian Cricket League). The charges went strong when his former team-mates Brendon McCullum and Lou Vincent made comments against him.
McCullum had told to ACSU (Anti Corruption and Security Units) of ICC (International Cricket Council) that Cairns made a match-fixing approach to him, which McCullum was not accepted. Also, Lou Vincent made a statement that Cairns approached to him for match-fixing.
On yesterday, Cairns was removed from all of charges.
NZC chairman Stuart Heal told the New Zealand Herald, “Brendon is an employee of ours, so we’ve got a duty of care around him that makes sure he’s in a safe working environment and free of harassment and all that humiliation stuff.”
“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but, of course, we will support Brendon. As I say, he’s our current captain and an employee of New Zealand Cricket.”
“We need him on the park leading our side and doing what he does best.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) acknowledged the verdict in the perjury trial in a brief statement.
“The ICC notes the decision of the jury finding Mr. Chris Cairns not guilty and confirms its utmost respect for the process that has been followed,” it read.
“The ICC and its (Anti-Corruption Unit) will continue to work closely with and provide all possible support to players in order that the fight against corruption can be tackled effectively and collectively.”
Cairns spoke out about the incident. He described these incidents as “five years of hell”
Cairns told Fox Sports TV in an interview in London on Monday “I think overall, Brendon’s interpretation of what happened in 2008 has just changed. Why that is, I can’t answer for Brendon. I suppose questions will be asked of Brendon as to why he did that.”
McCullum has come under fire for taking three years to report the alleged approaches by Cairns.
Heal said, “I think it’s really important that we understand (he) came forward for the right reasons.”
“I think with Brendon, he said — didn’t he — in the trial that he delayed his report on the basis that he was reluctant to incriminate a friend.”
“And I think what was happening in 2008 and now, today — it is a different environment.”
Lalit Modi, who had twitted and alleged against Cairns for involving in the match-fixing during 2008 and later lost that case, twitted after yesterday’s verdict, “I am aware of the verdict at Southwark Crown Court.”
“As you know I am limited in what I can say as I am restricted by the injunction put in place following the 2012 libel trial. I will consider how this affects my own civil claim against Mr Cairns in due course.