Former South African Cricket Star Alviro Petersen, Banned Two Years For Game-Fixing, ‘Feared For His Safety’

Former South Africa batsman Alviro Petersen has been banned for two years after admitting he attempted to cover up cricket match-fixing by others.

Former South African Cricket Star Alviro Petersen, Banned Two Years For game-fixing, ‘Feared For His Safety’

Nevertheless, charges of match-fixing against Petersen, who has spent the past two years playing for Lancashire, were withdrawn by Cricket South Africa.

On Thursday, Peterson said he hired a bodyguard because he feared for the safety of himself and his family during the investigations into match-fixing.

The investigation relates to South Africa’s domestic Ram Slam T20 Challenge Series competition in 2015.

“I accept the punishment that CSA has imposed on me,” the 36-year-old said.

Peterson pled guilty to 13 charges of breaching CSA’s anti-corruption code:

• Four charges of failing to disclose details of an approach to engage in corrupt conduct under the code.
• Four charges of failing to disclose full details of matters evidencing a breach of the code by another participant.
• Four charges of failing to co-operate with the investigators by failing to provide accurate and complete information to them.
• One charge of concealing and destroying information that was relevant to the investigation.

In January, as part of the same investigation, former South Africa spinner Gulam Bodi was banned for 20 years after admitting charges of contriving or attempting to fix games.

Then in August, CSA banned former wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile for 12 years for his part in the scandal, while Pumelela Matshikwe, Ethy Mbhalati and Jean Symes received lesser bans for accepting money from Bodi.

A CSA statement said: “After considering representations made by Petersen, CSA has withdrawn certain charges against him, including those relating to fixing or contriving to fix any match and seeking, accepting or offering to accept any bribe or other reward to fix or influence any match.”

Petersen added: “I would like to apologise to my family, friends, the public who are fans of the game of cricket, my team-mates, Gauteng cricket, Lions cricket and especially to Cricket South Africa for my actions.”

Peterson claimed he had no intention of fixing games or accepting bribes, and said he regretted participating in the meetings with Bodi and the fixers.

The statement concluded by saying that Petersen is studying for a law degree and a management diploma, and that he intended to stay fit with the hopes of resuming his cricket career when his suspension ends in November 2018.

Petersen was Glamorgan’s captain for the 2011 season and also had stints with Essex and Somerset.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – JULY 01: Alviro Petersen of Lancashire Lightning catches out Gary Ballance of Yorkshire Vikings during the NatWest T20 Blast match between Yorkshire Vikings and Lancashire Lightning at Headingley on July 1, 2016 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Daniel Smith/Getty Images)