Bewildered at his name being dragged into the IPL spot-fixing scandal, Australian pacer Shaun Tait said his legal representatives will examine how the “false” suggestions, which have already been dismissed by the Delhi Police, started.
“I’m bewildered, I’m angry and I’m upset at the false suggestions I’ve been involved in any wrongdoing,” Tait said in a statement after his name cropped up on social media sites following the arrest of three Rajasthan Royals players for allegedly bowling manipulated overs after striking deals with bookies who had underworld connections.
Tait, who also turns up for the Rajasthan franchise, was immediately cleared by the Delhi Police which stated that no foreign player was involved in the scandal.
Indian pacer S. Sreesanth and spinners Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were the players arrested for alleged spot-fixing yesterday.
“While I welcome the recent statements from police clearing me of any involvement, for a few hours I was deeply distressed by the rumours that were rapidly circulating about me, most of which were aired in the social media space,” said Tait.
“Not only were they without foundation, they highlight the danger of a medium that deals with innuendo rather than fact, the result of which has brought my name into question.
“At no stage in my career have I engaged in spot or match fixing and I’m in discussions with my manager and legal representatives to examine how this episode unfolded and any further action I may take,” he added.
Tait also got the backing of Cricket Australia which expressed full faith in the bowler. Sean Carroll, the Head of CA’s Anti-corruption Unit, spoke to Tait following Delhi Police’s statement last night.
“Shaun reiterated to CA that he had absolutely no involvement in any of the issues that are currently being investigated,” a statement from CA said.
“CA is comfortable that Shaun is being appropriately supported in India and reminds those who have been speculating on the ongoing investigations to base their comments on known facts, not unsubstantiated rumour,” it added.