Former cricketers play a straight bat

Makhaya Ntini. File Photo: Themba Hadebe

Makhaya Ntini. File Photo: Themba Hadebe

Published Apr 30, 2016

Share

Cape Town - Politics in sport appears to have gagged the cricket fraternity, with everyone going silent on the issue of Fikile Mbalula’s sporting bans announced this week.

Current and former South African cricketers appear to have been prevented from commenting on the government’s decision to ban Cricket South Africa from bidding for international tournaments.

Former Cricket SA chief Ali Bacher, who is known for being outspoken and transparent about all matters pertaining to cricket, simply said: “I have been told that I’m not a young chap any more and I shouldn’t be commenting on such issues.”

At the time of the announcement, former Proteas batsman Jacques Kallis caused a social media storm when he tweeted he was “embarrassed” to be South African. The SA cricketing great criticised the government for what he regarded as meddling in sport. He tweeted: “So sad that I find myself embarrassed to call myself a South African so often these days #noplaceforpoliticsinsport.”

Kallis later tweeted to stress his comment was about political interference.

Former Proteas batsman Herschelle Gibbs and bowler Makhaya Ntini have also been reluctant to comment, although they have never been media-shy. Gibbs said he was “not interested in politics”, while Ntini’s wife Thandeka said her husband was unable to comment.

Weekend Argus

Related Topics: