Gibbs admits role in match-fixing scandal

New Delhi: Indian police questioned South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs yesterday in a six-year-old match-fixing case and said he admitted to receiving two offers to underperform in exchange for money.

Gibbs, 32, arrived in India this week for the first time since the scandal broke after a Delhi police investigation into corruption during South Africa's tour of India in 2000. A senior police official said Gibbs admitted his involvement in the "conspiracy" for corruption.

He also revealed the names of three former Proteas cricketers involved in the match-fixing scam, said Indian police who now want to question the trio.

One of the three was Derek Crookes who toured India with the South African squad in 2000 and played 32 one day matches making 1,001 runs. Police declined to identify the other two.

"Gibbs did talk about receiving the offer twice," Ranjit Narayan, Delhi police joint commissioner (crime) told a news conference. "This he has agreed during interrogation. He admitted he was made an offer and he was part of the conspiracy," he said. "The offer, according to Gibbs, was made by his late captain Hansie Cronje."

Cronje and teammates Gibbs, Nicky Boje and Pieter Strydom were charged by Indian police in 2000 with "cheating, fraud and criminal conspiracy related to match-fixing and betting".

Gibbs was fined and suspended for six months by his national board after admitting he agreed to underperform in a one-day international.

"All loopholes and gaps have been filled," Narayan said. "Now the investigation can move forward."

The Delhi police said they could question Gibbs again but not during the ICC Champions Trophy in which he is playing. South Africa play New Zealand in their opening game on Monday.