Hansie cronje's brother frans provides a classic example of how bookmakers lure players to their den of doom

Hansie Cronje's brother reveals how bookmakers lure players

Hansie Cronje's brother frans provides a classic example of how bookmakers lure players to their den of doom

Frans Cronje, the brother of departed former South Africa cricket captain Hansie does not read newspapers anymore. But he's heard enough of the spot fixing controversy that has messed up Pakistan cricket to understand the roots of the evil.

Forty three-year-old Frans told

MiD DAY from Cape Town yesterday that bookies target innocent players, who then turn out to be culprits just like Hansie became in 2000 when the Delhi police blew the lid onu00a0 cricket's darkest secret. "They (bookies) worked on Hansie for years and years, never taking no for an answer. They are also very clever and sly with the way they lure young players in," said Frans, who has produced a film on the life and times of his brother.

Unfortunately, the media made such a massive story about Hansie that I decided it's best not to read newspapers or watch the news.

"If I have to know about something I will find out somehow. Many times articles are not accurate either," said Frans, who played 56 first-class games in South Africa as an all-rounder.

"I have made peace about the whole Hansie saga, so it does not upset me anymore, but yes, it does make me sad to see that they bring up Hansie's name every time something new happens."

In the opinion of some cricket pundits, the reported misdeeds of the Pakistanis in the spot fixing controversy are far greater than what Hansie was guilty of. And Frans reckons there are still some people looking for dirt.

"Some still try to find out if there was more to what Hansie did, but after 10 years, no person has ever come up with anything more on Hansie than what he openly confessed at the King Commission," he said.

In 2000, South African leaders ordered an enquiry into "cricket match fixing and related matters" conducted by Judge Edwin King.u00a0

His association with bookmakers notwithstanding, Hansie got back a little respect by admitting his crime. "I admire Hansie for admitting his guilt and that he was willing to take his punishment. That helped him to get on with his life, rebuild his relationships," said Frans.

He made his peace
Cronje died in a plane crash on June 1, 2002. To some, his death is still a mystery. "When he died, I know that he had peace," said Frans. "I saw Hansie a few days before he died and he was looking good again. Like the old Hansie with a broad smile on his face. It took him over 18 months to start over again and to forgive himself. Peter Pollock (former SA fast bowler and father of Shaun Pollock) helped a lot with that."

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