Match-fixers 'killed Cronje': ex-SA skipper

Cricket match-fixing syndicates murdered Hansie Cronje and could kill again, according to former South African captain Clive Rice.

Speaking in the wake of the Pakistan betting scandal which has prompted an investigation into fixing by the International Cricket Council, Rice said the mafia-like groups behind fixing must be stopped at all costs.

"These mafia betting syndicates do not stop at anything and they do not care who gets in their way," Rice told News Ltd.

"People have been murdered because of it in the past, and it could happen again unless officials do something."

Former South African captain Cronje died in a plane crash in 2002, as the only passenger, two years after being handed a life ban from cricket for match fixing. Rice said the equipment on Cronje's plane may have been tampered with by a mafia syndicate.

"I am convinced his death wasn't an accident," he said.

Rice said the ICC should police the betting scandals using undercover officials posing as match-fixers.

"Once a player becomes involved with these bookmakers and the match-fixing, they can never escape. You're in it for life," he said.

"The ICC needs to take a stronger stand and let players know if you do this you are out.

"Players have to be told there will now be undercover officials trying to trap them. They won't know whether they are dealing with a bookmaker or an undercover official."