Cairns home for Xmas

Chris Cairns after the verdict. Photo / Chris Gorman

Chris Cairns' family and friends are looking forward to welcoming him home for Christmas.

Last night fellow former Black Cap Dion Nash alluded to the emotional toll the trial has taken on Cairns and pledged to continue standing by his side.

"I'm pleased my mate has been cleared," Nash said. "I've seen the human side of it and I'm pleased he's got a chance to have a life. I'm proud to have stood by him. It's what you do for mates."

Cairns' Christchurch-based mother, Sue Wilson, told the Herald on Sunday she will be pleased to have her son back for Christmas, which the family will spend in New Zealand or Australia.

Cairns has stayed in the UK since Monday night's (NZT) not guilty verdict and the end of a marathon High Court trial that cleared the 45-year-old of perjury and perverting the course of justice.

The Herald on Sunday understands Cairns is in a relaxed mood, despite reports Indian billionaire Lalit Modi is set to send him back to the UK High Court in March over a $3.4 million civil claim.

Modi is yet to confirm whether he has lodged papers against Cairns and if he is attempting to claw back a seven-figure settlement he paid the Kiwi after accusing him on Twitter in 2010 of matchfixing.

Supporters have agreed to keep media activity to a minimum while the Cairns family regroups from two years of "living hell".

Cairns says he is pleased the not guilty verdict means Sue and his father Lance can "hold their heads high in New Zealand", although Cairns believes his own reputation has been "scorched".

"It's been hell for everyone," Cairns said after the verdict.