UCB shocked, saddened by Cronje's death

Officials from the United Cricket Board of South Africa spoke on Saturday of their shock and sadness at the death of Hansie Cronje.

A statement said: "It was with immense shock and sadness that the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) heard reports of the death in a plane crash today of former South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje."

The board's president Percy Sonn said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Hansie's wife Bertha, his parents Ewie and San-Marie and the whole family.

"Hansie was an excellent cricketer and a very popular and successful captain, who led his team to some great achievements and who gave much to cricket in this country during his career."

Chief executive Gerald Majola said: "Hansie will be missed by his team mates and management, as well as by cricket administrators and the South African public. We were all terribly sad to hear the news today."