Boje to be grilled on arrival
2004-10-27 21:39
Lizel Steenkamp
Johannesburg - The Delhi police will probably question the South African cricket team's new vice-captain, Nicky Bojé in the Delhi airport building soon after his arrival in India.
The Indian police have been eager to question Bojé and Herschelle Gibbs since 2000 when the Hansie Cronjé debacle was uncovered.
The United Cricket Board of South Africa is still waiting for a letter from the Delhi police in which they must give an undertaken not to arrest Bojé.
Gerald Majola, CEO of the UCBSA, says the commissioner of the Indian Cicket Board would have received the letter from the Delhi police on Wednesday.
Majola said: "Nicky will definitely be questioned. I am going to request the police to pose the questions in the airport building shortly after the team's arrival.
I prefer it this way, because someone is lawfully not in another country until he has passed through immigration," Majola said.
If Bojé decides to carry on with the tour, a group of South African legal representatives will accompany him to India to assist him.
"It will be the duty of Gerald de Kock, the team's media manager, to 'protect' Bojé against the media in India," Majola said.
Omar Henry, the convener of the national selectors, says Bojé alone must decide if he wants to go on tour or remain at home.
"There is always a possibility that he may be arrested, but we are trying to manage it as best we can," Henry said.
Bojé and Gibbs received a list of questions from the Delhi police earlier this month. Bojé answered the questions and sent it back, but nothing has been heard since.
Gibbs declined to answer the questions and said on Sunday that he will not go on the tour.
Proteas coach Ray Jennings says Bojé has an important role in the squad.
"I need him as a leader as well as for his input, experience and energy. He is psychologically strong enough to see this thing through. He has nothing to hide and is innocent," Jennings said.
The team leaves for India for two Tests on November 11.
- Beeld