Former South African batsman Alviro Petersen granted extension to respond to fixing charges

New Delhi: Embattled Alviro Petersen has been given a extension, until December 9, to respond to the charges of match-fixing imposed by Cricket South Africa (CSA).

According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the former South African batsman's lawyer confirmed the extension.

Petersen, 36, was charged by CSA on November 12 and was initially given 14 days to respond. The very next day, the former opener came out with his denial and rejected a CSA plea-bargain.

"Alviro has never fixed a match, agreed to fix a match or contrived to fix a match," his lawyer said in a statement.

"He has never sought, accepted, agreed to accept or received any bribe or other reward to fix or contrive to fix a match.

"To ensure for betting or other corrupt purposes the occurrence of a particular incident in a match or, for that matter, for any other unethical purpose."

CSA had claimed that "the charges against Petersen follow the lengthy and ongoing investigation by CSA’s Anti-Corruption Unit and the previous findings and bans imposed on Gulam Bodi, Jean Symes, Pumelela Matshikwe, Ethy Mbhalati and Thami Tsolekile for offences under the Code relating to the 2015 RAM SLAM T20 Challenge Series."

Earlier this year, Bodi was banned for 20 years after admitting that he tried to fix matches in the country's domestic T20 tournament.

Petersen called the quits on international cricket early January this year, following the conclusion of the third Test against West Indies. Proteas won the series 2-0.

His retirement, however, came in effect from April 1, 2015.

Petersen played 36 Tests for South Africa, averaging 34.88 with the bat.