Only 1 Black Player In The South Africa Squad For The ICC T20 World Cup 2024? Check Details

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is under scrutiny following the announcement of the Proteas squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, which includes only one black African player, Kagiso Rabada. This decision has drawn criticism from former South Africa Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula and ex-CSA chief Ray Mali, who have voiced concerns about the apparent regression of the game within the country. The provisional 15-man squad comprises six players of color, with Rabada being the sole representative from the black African community. CSA's policy mandates that throughout a season, six players of color should feature in the South African playing eleven, with at least two hailing from the black African demographic. However, with Rabada being the solitary black African in the squad, the national team is poised to fall short of meeting this requirement.

Among the other players of color in the squad are Reeza Hendricks, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Ottniel Baartman. Notably, Lungi Ngidi, another black African talent, has been designated as one of the traveling reserves but is not included in the primary squad. Additionally, it's noteworthy that ODI captain Temba Bavuma has been omitted from the T20 World Cup side, marking a notable absence from the lineup as the tournament approaches, scheduled to commence on June 2 in the USA and the West Indies.

"Only one African player selected in the Proteas Team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. This is definitely a reversal of the gains of transformation and does not reflect fair representation of all South Africans in the national cricket team," Mbalula wrote on his 'X' handle.

Ray Mali, former CSA and ICC president, voiced apprehension over the regression of cricket in South Africa. He emphasized the need for a selection committee, suggesting that relying on a single individual to pick the team isn't conducive to diversity in a country as varied as South Africa. Currently, CSA lacks a committee of selectors, with head coaches Shukri Conrad (Tests) and Rob Walter (ODI and T20Is) solely responsible for team selection.

In response to criticisms, Rob Walter defended the composition of the 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC event. He argued that the limited depth in South Africa's domestic circuit posed challenges in assembling a more diverse team. Despite Mali's concerns, Walter justified the selection process, indicating that the chosen players were the best available options for the tournament ahead.

"I believe a lot has been achieved, but we have taken a step backward in terms of cricket - we are not progressing. I cannot understand why we can't have a larger number of black players in the South African cricket team at this day and age - it is not acceptable. We have betrayed the people who asked us to negotiate unity for this country. Players are mentored and monitored from their early days to the top, so you know which players will represent South Africa," Mali told SABC Sport.