Centurion, Sep 25 - Coach Gary Kirsten Friday denied that he encouraged Indian cricketers to engage in sexual activity to boost their on-field performance.

An Indian daily reported Wednesday that Kirsten and mental conditioning expert Paddy Upton have come up with the suggestion that pre-match sex is good for the players.

A 'deeply offended' Kirsten said the leaked article was compiled by Upton.

'My family and I have been deeply offended and hurt by the many allegations that I encouraged the Indian players to engage in sexual activity before a match,' Kirsten said.

'I would like to state that I have never, and I repeat never, encouraged or told the team or any player to engage in any form of sexual activity.