But the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says that Mr Cairns will face a perjury charge in connection with that case. A CPS spokeswoman said: ‘We have also authorised police to charge Andrew Fitch-Holland with one count of perverting the course of justice, which arises from actions taken relating to the same trial.’

Match-fixing claims

In the 2012 trial, Mr Cairns successfully sued Lalit Modi, ex-chairman of the Twenty20 part of the Indian Premier League, for stating that the cricketer had been involved in match-fixing. Mr Cairns said he would travel to the UK to face the charge. Saying he was ‘extremely disappointed’ at the charge, he added: ‘However, at least there will now be an opportunity to face my accusers in an open forum, with some rigour and proper process around that, so that I can clear my name once and for all.’ 

Brian Lara

Argent Chambers mentions its sporting, including cricketing, connections in the ‘About Us’ section of its website: ‘In recent years chambers have advised Harry Redknapp, Brian Lara, Jenson Button, Frankie Dettori, Amir Khan and Dwain Chambers.’Sources: Sydney Morning Herald and Argent Chambers