ICC chasing down rumours that are malicious and vindictive - Cairns

Statement from former Black Caps all rounder Chris Cairns:

We are now in to the 10th week since, like you, I heard via the media that my name was linked to an ICC investigation into match fixing.

Having already been to such extreme lengths - right to the High Court in London - to resolutely clear my name, it seemed inconceivable that I would be back here again.
Since then, my life has effectively been put on hold, and yet I remain totally in the dark about what I am being investigated for, what the basis for this investigation is, and I have still not even been questioned by the ICC.

I have heard there are English Police in New Zealand this week investigating the matter, but no one has contacted me, despite some people saying otherwise.

I know the ICC has also contacted my ex-wife Carin and were flying to South Africa to question her. I have been told that the ICC has now cancelled this trip after Carin told the ICC I had never been involved in match fixing.

Perhaps the most telling point in all this was the reason why the ICC wanted to travel to South Africa. I was told it was to inquire about the rumours surrounding me and whether they were malicious and vindictive.

The impact of this on my career and the professional opportunities in front of me is very serious. My livelihood is directly linked to my reputation. So, while this dark cloud hangs over me, my ability to work and provide for my family is almost non-existent.

Surely there should be some onus on the ICC or other governing bodies to come forward and present some reliable evidence to justify the investigation and / or at least set out the nature and process of the investigation, acknowledging that the current rumour and speculation, which has been widely reported around the world, is doing un-told damage.

What happened to 'innocent until proven guilty'? In this matter, the reverse seems to be true.

I have said from the beginning that I will co-operate with any investigation of me - I have nothing to hide. But this can't be allowed to drag on, while I remain totally in the dark.

Meantime, I appeal to New Zealander's and cricket fans around the world not to jump to conclusions. And, my message to the ICC and New Zealand Cricket is that this just simply isn't OK. I devoted much of my life to the game of cricket - 16 years and more than 250 matches for my country. I think I deserve better."