Alviro Petersen, seen here playing for Lancashire, has been banned for two years ©Getty Images

Alviro Petersen has been banned for two years by Cricket South Africa (CSA) after he admitted trying to cover-up match-fixing by other players.

The 36-year-old, who has played 36 tests, 21 one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches for South Africa, pleaded guilty to 13 separate charges to breaches of the CSA’s Anti-Corruption Code for Personnel.

These were four of failing to disclose details of an approach to engage in corrupt conduct, four of failing to disclose full details of matters evidencing a breach of the code, four of failing to co-operate with the investigators and one of concealing and destroying information that was relevant to the investigation.

However, match-fixing charges labelled against him have now formally been dropped.

It follows a lengthy investigation into claims made about games from the Ram Slam T20, a domestic cricket competition in the country.

"Our aim to deal thoroughly with any form of corruption in the game remains steadfast and we will do everything in our power to protect the integrity of the game," said CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

"Alviro has realised his mistakes and has acknowledged contravening the code."

Petersen played 36 tests, 21 one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals for South Africa ©Getty Images
Petersen played 36 tests, 21 one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals for South Africa ©Getty Images

In the same investigation, former player Gulam Bodi was banned for 20 years after admitting to attempt match fixing.

He acted as an intermediary for international betting syndicates and approached players on their behalf.

Four of the players, Jean Symes, Pumelela Matshikwe, Ethy Mbhalati and Thami Tsolekile, have all received bans ranging from seven to 12 years for their parts in the scandal.

Following the ruling, Petersen made a statement in which he apologised for his actions.

"At the time that the meetings with Bodi and the fixers happened, I never had any intention of fixing matches or taking money,” the batsman said.

"I now deeply regret having participated in these meetings and not to have immediately reported them to the authorities as I am obliged to do.

"I understand I need to take personal responsibility for my actions and I accept the punishment that CSA has imposed on me.

"I hope that other players will learn from my experience and be better prepared if they find themselves in the situation that I was in and that my punishment will serve as a deterrent."