Daily Times

NEW DELHI: An Indian national associated with the sponsor of India’s three-match ODI and T20 series in Zimbabwe’s Harare was arrested for the alleged rape of a woman, Times of India reported on Sunday. The arrested man pleaded innocence to the charge. Earlier reports in Zimbabwean media alleged that an unnamed Indian cricketer had been arrested on charges of rape. Official Indian sources denied the reports, saying that the arrested person was affiliated with one of the sponsors of the limited-over series being played in Zimbabwe. “Regarding media reports of an Indian cricketer being involved in an alleged case of rape in Harare, we have spoken to our Ambassador to Zimbabwe. The report is totally false. No Indian cricketer is involved,” the sources said. “An Indian affiliated with one of the sponsors has been arrested. He has also denied the charge and said he is ready for a DNA test to prove his innocence. Our Ambassador is following the matter closely,” they said. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to comment on the matter, saying it has yet to ascertain the facts of the incident. “We are keeping a close watch on the development. It is a serious issue. Being aware of the sensitive nature of the issue, the BCCI won’t make comments without ascertaining facts,” a BCCI official said on condition of anonymity.