Former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns is likely to face his perjury trial in October next year following a brief court appearance in London overnight.
Chris Cairns leaves Westminster Magistrates Court earlier this month. Photo: RNZ / Tim Graham
The charge relates to a libel suit in England's High Court two years ago, in which Cairns was awarded $180,000 in damages against Lalit Modi, the former head of the Indian Premier League.
Prosecutors now accuse Cairns of making a false statement during the 2012 hearings, when he told the court he never cheated in cricket, nor would contemplate doing so.
The 44-year-old made a brief appearance in the Southwark Crown Court in London overnight.
He is yet to enter a formal plea, and has had his unconditional bail extended until his next court appearance in January. He indicated through his lawyer he would fully contest the charge.
However, he will probably have to wait a year before his perjury trial begins.
A month-long trial has been provisionally set down for October next year, pending the availability of witnesses.
