Chris Cairns vows to clear name after being formally charged with perjury

Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns has formally been charged with perjury and the charges relate to a 2012 libel action in the High Court in London in which the cricketer successfully sued Indian Premier League (IPL) boss Lalit Modi.

Cairns has described claims that he fixed matches as absurd and recently added that he would do whatever it takes to again prove his innocence. He would attend a hearing at Westminster magistrates court on 2 October.

Cairns was awarded 90,000 pounds in damages after allegations on Twitter that he was involved in match-fixing. The police interviewed him in London earlier this year at his own request over the latest claims, which the all-rounder denied, The BBC reported.

The former New Zealand captain said in a statement earlier in the month that he was extremely disappointed to have been notified by the CPS that it was their intention to charge him with perjury.

However, Cairns added that at least there would now be an opportunity to face his accusers in an open forum, with some rigor and proper process around that, so that he can clear his name once and for all.

The all-rounder said that he hopes that, through this forum, significant additional information would be flushed out that would help people to better assess the situation, as well as the character and motives of the parties involved.

The former skipper said that he wished this wasn't the situation, adding that having been to court before, he knows what lies ahead and how grueling it would be and how tough it is on his family. But he further added that he has nothing to hide and would do whatever it takes to once again prove his innocence.

Cairns, a former Nottinghamshire player, son of former New Zealand all-rounder Lance, played 62 Tests and 215 ODIs between 1989 and 2006, the report added.