Ruling in Cairns-Modi libel case this month

Former New Zealand captain Chris Cairns has been investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) over suspicion of perverting the course of justice in his libel trial he won against former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi and a ruling is expected by the end of the month.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Cairns has been investigated by the Metropolitan Police, who have passed on a file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Cairns had won his libel trial against former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi in 2012, who had accused him of fixing. Cairns is now being investigated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his role in match-fixing.

But the barrister, Andrew Fitch-Holland, who had appeared for Cairns in the libel case against Modi was arrested and subsequently bailed in London in March on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Cairns lawyer Rhory Robertson told the British daily that the "CPS has not made a decision to charge Cairns although a ruling is expected in the final week of this month".

The 42-year-old Cairns had sued Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League, over an "unequivocal allegation" which, he said, turned his achievements to "dust". In October 2012, Modi lost his appeal against a 90,000 pounts libel award to Cairns over the accusation of match-fixing.