Smith in soup over comments on former Board chief

Johannesburg:

Cricket book contents continue to raise hackles and now South Africa captain Graeme Smith finds himself embroiled in a legal row for his unflattering comments about former board chief Norman Arendse.

Smith was harsh in his assessment of the former Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief in his 'A Captain's Diary 2007- 2009' which hit the stands recently.

Referring to Charl Langeveldt's baffilng selection ahead of Andre Nel for the tour of India last year, Smith wrote, "The CSA president was becoming more and more involved in every facet of the game. I think, at various times, he wanted to be captain, coach, CEO, president and convener of selectors, which became very frustrating."

Langeveldt rose in stature by withdrawing from the India tour, saying he did not need such colour-based favour.

Smith said it was sheerly because of team unity that South Africa saw through Arendse's tenure with commendable success.

"It is an enormous credit to the team we managed to be successful throughout Arendse presidency, because this wasn't the only curve ball he threw in our direction," wrote Smith.

Stung by the remarks, Arendse, who stepped down last year after falling out with CSA chief executive Gerald Majola, said Smith's observations were outrageous.

Arendse's legal counsel Dines Gihwala told 'The Times' that he would write to the publishers, Jonathan Ball, to remove the "defamatory" remarks.

"If it doesn't happen we will sue," Gihwala was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Gihwala will also write to Smith to delete the offending passages or face legal action.

Jeremy Boraine, publishing director of Jonathan Ball, said he was waiting for the letter.

"The book has been published and is in the market. I will have to look at it and discuss it with Graeme and our lawyers," he said.