‘Stop using us for window dressing’ is the call made by a group of black cricketers to Cricket South Africa (CSA), who say despite being selected for the Proteas squad, they see precious little game time.
The group, calling themselves Black Cricketers in Unity, sent CSA a letter on Monday, requesting a debate on the transformation of the sport. The group has given CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat a week to respond.
The Cape Argus understands that Lorgat jetted into India yesterday, where the Proteas are on tour, and the organisation would assess the letter before drafting a response.
A senior official has confirmed receipt of the letter, saying a “holding statement” would be issued.
eNCA sports anchor Ronald Masinda broke the news of the letter, quoting Highveld Lions captain Thami Tsolekile – reportedly a member of Black Cricketers in Unity – as saying the players were tired of being included in the national squad, but not in the starting XI.
Advocate Norman Arendse – who is also chairman of CSA’s transformation committee – confirmed to the Cape Argus that the letter had been sent to “several senior officials, including the president (of the board, Chris Nenzani) and myself”.
Arendse said issues of transformation were of utmost importance.
“You must understand, when the new board was installed in 2013, we immediately held a transformation indaba.
“There it was decided and agreed to the ‘Africanisation’ of cricket.
“You will have seen at franchise level, where we insist on at least six black African players, and at least three in the starting XI.
“I don’t think you can deny that it is
happening. But at national level, that is a conversation we still need to have.”
The letter to CSA highlights the recent inclusion of Dean Elgar in the Proteas touring party to India. After JP Duminy was ruled out through injury during the ODI series, it was thought that uncapped batsman Khaya Zondo – who had been selected in the T20 squad and was kept on after Rilee Roussouw was withdrawn with a stress fracture – would be the natural replacement.
When Zondo represented South Africa A against India in August, he scored 154 in four innings; his best performance an 86 off 60 balls.
However, Elgar was flown in at the eleventh hour to replace Duminy.
Elgar had played just five ODIs prior to his call-up and had last played an ODI for the Proteas in 2012.
The letter outlines how black players were treated as “waterboys” and were included in the squad merely as “window dressing” in order to please sponsors.
The group noted Aaron Phangiso’s
inclusion in the squad that travelled to contest the 2015 Cricket World Cup played over February and March in Australia and New Zealand, saying in the letter that he was left to serve drinks and didn’t play a single match. He was the only black African included in the squad.
Arendse said the CSA board would meet with the group soon.
“We have engaged the group.”
Arendse said it was a “difficult time” to have the discussions, as the Proteas are still currently on tour and issues of selection would have to be answered by officials who were also in India.
The Test series against India ends on December 7.
There were meetings with the Board of Control for Cricket in India scheduled for the coming weeks that would also present a challenge.
The Cape Argus understands Cape Cobras’ Omphile Ramela,who is captain of the four-day side, is the spokesman for the group.
“We have engaged with the group. It’s all on e-mail between us. We have been setting up discussions with them,” Arendse said.
He and other board members had planned to meet with the group to discuss their concerns before November 21.
Arendse said he would also engage with Advocate Vusi Pikoli, who serves as CSA’s independent board member for social responsibility and ethics, before meeting with Black Cricketers in Unity. - Cape Argus