The West Indies Cricket Board, in St. Johns, Antigua, issued the following statement from the Honorable Patrick Rousseau, the president of the West Indies Cricket Board.

"A report appeared in the Times newspaper in London alleging that West Indies cricketer Brian Lara placed bets on matches and supplied information to a bookmaker while playing in the 'Total Triangular Series' in South Africa in 1993.

I have discussed these allegations with Brian Lara and he has denied any involvement with anyone as implied in the report. Until any allegation is proven, I accept Mr. Lara's position and support him fully.

I am requesting that the WICB conduct a thorough investigation into this matter in keeping with our policy of dealing firmly but fairly with charges of impropriety in West Indies cricket."