Gibbs won't go to India, says his dad

Herschelle Gibbs fears no bowler, but the Indian police is another matter © Getty Images

The prospect of Herschelle Gibbs touring India with the South African team next month looks remote. His father, Herman Gibbs, has said that even if the Indian police give assurances that they will not question Herschelle, he will not tour.

Gibbs and Nicky Boje have been reluctant to tour India because they fear that the Indian police, which uncovered Hansie Cronje's involvement in match-fixing during South Africa's last tour there, will detain them for questioning regarding that investigation. The South African cricket board had recently asked the Indians for an assurance that Gibbs and Boje would not face any action of this sort.

The Indian police responded by sending a questionnaire to the two players, but Gibbs has apparently not answered it fully. "Herschelle could not answer all the questions," said his father. "Even if an assurance is given that he won't face prosecution, the risk is just too big, as the assurances could be withdrawn at any time. The Indian cricket authorities will be unable to do anything if the police decide to question Herschelle on his arrival. He does not feel the need to see the inside of an Indian jail.

"The pressure would be too much for him to travel to India."