Haroon Lorgat had no part in my criticism of BCCI and ICC: David Becker
David Becker said he would go under oath if necessary to absolve Haroon Lorgat of any role in the statement issued by him regarding the Future Tours Programme.
Former ICC legal head David Becker has denied the involvement of suspended Cricket South Africa CEO Haroon Lorgat with regard to any knowledge of his recent statement regarding the Future Tours Programme. It has now become part of an ICC inquiry and Lorgat's role will also be scrutinised in the affair.
In an interview to a leading newspaper said, "I wish to state in the most unequivocal terms that the comments made were my own and Haroon Lorgat had absolutely no role in my making them."
"Haroon Lorgat wasn't involved and nor was he aware about the contents of my letter. It is extremely unfair to draw Haroon Lorgat into the whole thing for it is a figment of peoples' imagination to suggest that he orchestrated the whole thing," he added.
Lorgat had already mentioned on record to the same newspaper, that he did his best to prevent publication of Becker's statement based on the fact that "it might have an adverse impact on CSA." The ICC media release said that both the parties had agreed not to make any media comments until the investigation was concluded.
Becker was the legal head of the ICC for five years till 2012 and also served as legal advisor to the CSA. He said in his statement that the FTP was legally binding on ICC members since it was unanimously approved. He felt it was not proper for a member body not to respect an ICC resolution.
He went on to say that he was willing to go under oath that Lorgat had no role in his statement and would repeat the same to the ICC-appointed investigation commission.
"I will soon be filing an affidavit and will state under oath that Haroon Lorgat had absolutely no part to play in my writing the letter," he said.
"He wasn't remotely aware of what I was writing and it is plain unfair to drag him into this. I am also prepared to undergo a polygraph test to ensure that truth comes out. I am considering doing the polygraph test myself and handing the report to the investigation commission to put the matter to rest as soon as possible."