South African cricket board president Percy Sonn on Friday issued an 'unconditional' apology for his behaviour during the World Cup match between India and Holland at Paarl.

Sonn had got drunk and used offensive language during the match.

"I realise that my conduct at Boland Park on Wednesday fell short of the standards that people find acceptable for a person in my position and, if I offended anyone with my behaviour, I sincerely apologise," he said in a statement.

"I apologise unconditionally, especially to all South Africans and to the world cricketing fraternity.

"I know that as president of the United Cricket Board of South Africa I hold a high position of responsibility and authority and it is a position that took many years of hard work and commitment to reach.

"I know that this position carries certain levels of acceptable conduct and that my behaviour is subject to public scrutiny. As such, I understand that my conduct should always be above reproach and that I should set an example for all in South African cricket."