No Indian cricketer involved in alleged rape in Zimbabwe: Sources

India's cricket tour to Zimbabwe was on Sunday hit by a massive controversy after several reports claimed involvement of Indian cricketer in an alleged rape. BCCI media manager Nishant has confirmed News Nation that no Indian cricketer has been involved in the case; instead an official associated with one of the sponsors of the series has been arrested.

The storm erupted after the Zimbabwean media reported that an unnamed Indian cricketer had been arrested on charges of rape.

The reports stated that India's ambassador to the African nation, R Masakui, had tried to prevent the player's arrest last night at a Harare hotel.

However, official sources in India denied the report, stating that the person arrested was in fact affiliated to one of the sponsors of the ongoing limited-overs series.

"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 added.

India are currently engaged in a three-match Twenty20 series against the hosts after sweeping the ODIs 3-0.

The visitors had lost the opening T20 in Harare yesterday and will be playing the second match tomorrow at the same venue.