South Africa cricketer found guilty in Court could face jail sentence

Former South Africa cricketer Daryl Cullinan has been convicted in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court for failing to pay the maintenance for his two sons. The cricketer has two children from his first wife Virginia and is expected to pay them for their living. The court has ordered him to pay back all the maintenance with arrears within next 24 months.

The 50-year-old has been sentenced to 1-year imprisonment or R 3,000 fine and has been completely suspended for three years on the condition of not being convicted again. He had divorced his wife Virginia 9 years ago and had also taken her to court twice since then to seek a reduction in his maintenance payments for their sons.

The money troubles for Cullinan is not the first time as in 2013 all his assets were seized for failing to pay a company for the services he rendered. As per reports, he had failed to pay back R 19,300 to Azrapix Investments.

Cricket career

Cullinan was regarded as the centrepiece of South Africa’s batting from early to mid 1990s. He made his debut against India in New Year’s Test in 1993 and soon played his first One-Day International against Pakistan next month. Since then he was a vital cog of Proteas cricket for 7-8 years.

In that period the renowned batsman played a handful of 70 Test matches and scored 4554 runs at an impressive average of 44.21. He has 14 centuries and 20 half centuries to his name, 275* being the highest. Comparatively, he was below par in the limited-overs format and played 138 ODIs. He amassed 3860 runs at an average of 32.99 with 23 half centuries and 3 tons. Cullinan was also a decent part time bowler and used to provide vital breakthroughs when required.

However, he retired from International cricket in 2002 after being out of favour of the national selectors and the dispute with the cricket board.