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Lonwabo Tsotsobe apologises to cricketing fans following 8-year ban

Lonwabo Tsotsobe has so far played five Tests, 61 ODIs and 23 T20Is for South Africa as he made his debut in January 2009.

Lonwabo Tsotsobe had pleaded guilty to the breaches of the CSA Anti-Corruption Code for Personnel © Getty Images
Lonwabo Tsotsobe had pleaded guilty to the breaches of the CSA Anti-Corruption Code for Personnel © Getty Images

Following an unfortunate eight-year ban received by Cricket South Africa (CSA), for his alleged involvement in match-fixing, fast-bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe has apologised to the cricketing fans all over the world for his unforgivable deeds. He had earlier pleaded guilty to the breaches of the CSA Anti-Corruption Code for Personnel. Tsotsobe has so far played five Tests, 61 ODIs and 23 T20Is for South Africa as he made his debut in January 2009, while his last appearance for South Africa was back in 2014. He also has played 61 first-class matches, 144 List A games and 77 T20s, while he was also a top bowler in the ICC Rankings in 2012. Lonwabo Tsotsobe banned for 8 years following match-fixing charges

“I wish to apologise to cricket lovers all over the world. I was, at the time, in a very vulnerable financial state and this dilemma too easily persuaded me to participate in spot-fixing. There are no words to describe the regret I have in relation to my actions, and I hope that the cricket world could consider my apology and understand my deepest feeling of remorse,” said Tsotsobe, as reported by iol.co.za. Meanwhile, CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said, “Mr Tsotsobe has ultimately admitted his mistakes in contravening the CSA anti-corruption code and, while no fix actually took place, it is clear that he was active in plans to participate in spot- fixing and hence the sanction imposed on him.” CSA suspends Lonwabo Tsotsobe from all forms of cricket on charges of match-fixing

CSA’s anti-corruption unit chairman Bernard Ngoepe said, “The investigative team have completed a thorough and far-reaching investigation. I am satisfied that all the culprits have been duly prosecuted under the code and, unless we receive or uncover any new or previously undisclosed information, we believe we can now bring this matter to a close.” South African cricketers caught in ‘match-fixing’ net may face fine, jail term

“We were fortunate that in this case the reporting structures that CSA and Saca [South African Cricketers’ Association] have put in place worked. However, we must remain vigilant to the continuing threat of corrupt activity in domestic and international cricket,” he concluded.

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