11 November 2024 last updated at 08:25 GMT
 
Cairns questioned by British police
Monday 07 April 2014

Former New Zealand cricket captain, Chris Cairns revealed that he was interviewed by Scotland Yard and confirmed that investigators have returned to the United Kingdom. Cairns has been in the middle of a match-fixing controversy since the allegations were raised in late 2013. After meeting with police representatives in Auckland this week, Cairns is likely to now at least know the extent of the claims but would not comment when asked about them. He said: ''I maintain I have nothing to hide and we remain totally committed to doing whatever it takes to prove that via whatever means necessary.''

Cairns said the interview was cut short, but only because investigators had to return to the UK.

''I will therefore continue to liaise with them via my UK solicitors,'' he said.

''I have not been arrested or charged.''

Cairns also confirmed he was prepared to meet with officials from the ICC's Anti Corruption and Security Unit once British police have completed their inquiries.

''The ICC had also arranged to interview me this week in New Zealand,'' he said. ''Unfortunately that didn't go ahead, as they requested it be deferred while the metropolitan police inquiry is ongoing.'' Cairns said he couldn't elaborate any further ''at this stage'' given the matter is now part of a formal police investigation in the UK.

A UK metropolitan police spokesman said they could not comment about the meeting with Cairns or the nature of the investigation.

New Zealand Police, who are assisting their British colleagues refused to divulge any information as well.

In December last year, Cairns and fellow former New Zealand team-mates, Daryl Tuffey and Lou Vincent, were first linked in media reports to an ICC investigation into allegations of match-fixing.

Vincent said at the time he was co-operating with officials while Cairns and Tuffey confirmed they would also be prepared to if required.

The trio played together for the Chandigarh Lions in the now defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Cairns left the ICL in 2008 and his exit was the focus of much scrutiny after former IPL Chairman, Lalit Modi alleged on Twitter two years later that it was due to match-fixing. In 2012, Cairns, who strongly denied the allegations and insisted he left the ICL after failing to disclose an injury, successfully sued Modi for libel in the London High Court. Cairns' revelations that he has met with British investigators comes a week after his close friend, Andrew Fitch-Holland, a practising barrister, was arrested in the UK on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in a ''civil case''.

Fitch-Holland, who was a witness for Cairns in his libel trial, was later released on bail without charge.

Cairns has refused to comment on his Fitch-Holland's situation.

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