10 October 2004	Sunday	24 Shaban 1425

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 9: Members of South African cricket team denied media reports of being victims of racism, United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) chief executive Gerald Majola said.

UCB's general council and board of directors of Cricket South Africa (Pty) Ltd met jointly on Friday, to discuss a report compiled by Majola based on interviews and meetings conducted with senior management and players of national team after their return from ICC Champions Trophy.

In reference to reports in the media to alleged racism within the squad, Majola said: " None of the players I spoke to within the last week made any mention at all to me of being a victim of a racist incident.

"These are serious allegations and powerful and convincing proof would be needed to back them up," he added.

The allegations of racism were made in KZN-based Daily News which claimed that players of colour were made to feel unwelcome in Proteas camp and were "not embraced by some of white players".

Majola's report also contained certain findings and Recommendations that deal with national team's performance over past 12 months, and reasons why the team has performed so poorly in recent months.

The council discussed findings and recommendations at length and came up with certain proposals to deal with current situation. These proposals will be discussed within UCB's operational structures and made public thereafter.

Meanwhile, UCB board has received, via Indian High Commission in Pretoria, a list of questions from Delhi police to be answered by Herschelle Gibbs and Nicky Boje.

The questions form part of the Delhi police's ongoing Investigation into alleged match fixing and corruption during South Africa's tour of India in 2000.

In keeping with UCB's willingness to comply with investigation, the questionnaires have been forwarded to CEO of SA Cricketer's Association, Tony Irish, who will act as legal counsel for two players while they respond to the questions.

Once questionnaires have been completed they will be returned in affidavit form to Indian High Commission for passing on to Delhi police.

"We are keen to assist in this matter, and we hope affidavits will complete the process," Majola said.-PPI