BRIDGETOWN, CANA - THE West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has cleared star batsman Brian Lara of wrong doing, following allegations that he had received money for bets on cricket seven years ago.
The WICB, after reviewing the allegations that Lara bet and supplied information to a bookmaker during a 1993 Triangular Tournament in South Africa, issued a statement yesterday, saying they were satisfied the stories were false .
"In the light of evidence in possession of the WICB, which directly contradicts these allegations, the WICB is satisfied that Mr Lara is innocent of any wrong doing in this matter," the WICB statement said.
The WICB said a key piece of evidence that led to their conclusion was an affidavit in which the South African bookmaker who was alleged to have placed Lara's bets and received information from him, denies that this occurred.
"We are satisfied that no further action by the Board is warranted and our conclusions will be submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC)," the statement said.
"We commend Mr Lara for the dignity and composure that he has shown in the face of these allegations and media scrutiny. The WICB will continue to give him and the rest of the West Indies Team our fullest support," the WICB said.
