ICC clears Lorgat of all charges

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Thursday cleared Haroon Lorgat, chief executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA), of charges that he had knowledge of the controversial statement made against the ICC Board and the Future Tours Programme (FTP) by David Becker, the ICC's former legal head, and the subsequent attempts to have it withdrawn.

An independent adjudicator appointed by the ICC exonerated Lorgat, also a former ICC chief executive, of all the charges including that of bribing and threatening journalists.

In a joint statement released by the ICC and CSA, the two bodies said that "an independent Adjudicator, appointed by the ICC to look into the content and distribution of media comments made about the ICC Board by Mr David Becker, who at that time was acting as a legal consultant to Cricket South Africa in respect of their ongoing dispute over the FTP Schedule, and, in particular, the role of Mr Haroon Lorgat, Chief Executive of CSA, in these matters has found no evidence to support the allegations made against Mr Lorgat."

The Adjudicator has ruled that any restrictions on Lorgat's ability to perform his role as CEO of CSA should be immediately removed. Lorgat can now represent CSA at the ICC's Chief Executives' Committee and communicate or involve in matters related to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"The ICC notes and accepts the decision of the independent Adjudicator. We are pleased that the matter has been resolved and that all parties can now move on in a spirit of mutual cooperation, working together constructively for the good of cricket," ICC President Alan Isaac said.

CSA president Chris Nenzani said the South African cricket board was satisfied that this matter has been properly investigated and resolved.

"As a consequence of the Adjudicator's findings, CSA has no hesitation in immediately lifting the previous restrictions placed on Mr Lorgat in his role as Chief Executive of CSA," said Nenzani.