Wednesday 2 December 2015 07:46, UK
New Zealand Cricket have promised to support captain Brendon McCullum in the wake of Chris Cairns' acquittal on charges of perjury and perverting the course of justice.
McCullum and former international team-mate Lou Vincent gave evidence against Cairns during the nine-week trial in London, where he was accused of lying during a libel trial he won against former Indian Premier League boss Lalit Modi.
Cairns was accused by McCullum of twice asking him to fix matches, the first as far back as 2008 in India, but NZC chairman Stuart Heal said he was glad players were prepared to speak out about such a serious issue and promised the domestic governing body is firmly behind the Test skipper.
"Brendon is an employee of ours, so we've got a duty of care around him that makes sure he's in a safe working environment and free of harassment and stress," Heal told the New Zealand Herald.
"I hope it doesn't come to that, but of course we will support Brendon. As I say, he's our current captain and an employee of New Zealand Cricket.
"We need him on the park leading our side and doing what he does best."
McCullum has come under fire for taking three years to report the alleged approaches by Cairns, who said he had 'questions to answer' in the wake of his acquittal.
But Heal added: "I think it's really important that we understand (he) came forward for the right reasons.
"I think with Brendon, he said - didn't he - in the trial that he delayed his report on the basis that he was reluctant to incriminate a friend.
"And I think what was happening in 2008 and now, today - it is a different environment. I think this case has made us all aware no-one is immune in this sport, any body, any sport, any country regarding drugs, match-fixing - there seems to be new cases appearing all over the place.
"From a New Zealand Cricket point of view, I am determined we will provide education and training for our current players to ensure they are well aware of the code and will come forward in the case of any future event."
