S Africans dispute match-fix recordings

Indian police investigating match-fixing allegations have reportedly refused to allow South Africa's high commissioner to India, Maite Nkoane-Ramashada, to take copies of tape recordings of mobile telephone conversations that are alleged to be between the cricketer, Hansie Cronje, and a bookmaker. The South African Sunday Times reported yesterday that the commissioner, who listened to the tapes, "was convinced the accents were not South African".

The deputy commissioner of crime prevention in New Delhi told the newspaper that the tapes "had been sealed and locked away in a safe in New Delhi and would be produced only when the matter came to court".

Rajesh Kalra, the Indian businessman arrested in connection with match-fixing investigations involving four South African cricketers, was remanded in custody for four more days yesterday. Cronje, South Africa's captain, plus Herschelle Gibbs, Pieter Strydom and Nicky Boje were charged by Indian police on Friday with fixing matches during a limited-overs series in India last month, which India won 3-2. Cronje and his team-mates have denied the charges.

A statement from the South African Board said the South African government was to ask the Indian government to explain reports that players'telephones were tapped while they were on tour in India.

Tax officials also said they wanted to question Kalra about allegations of illegal foreign exchange transactions.