JAHANNESBURG: The chief executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA) openly admits that the issue of transformation in cricket in the country needs to be urgently addressed.
“At the outset let me say that both the board and myself are not satisfied with the current pace of transformation, specifically with reference to the development of black African talent,” says Lorgat.
Since its readmission to world cricket in 1991, only seven black African players have represented the Proteas in ODIs. Only five have played in Tests.
There has been much debate around the lack of black African players. Since South Africa’s return to the international fold, only Makhaya Ntini has been a regular in the Test side.
“Imagine how that player feels? He only participated in the net. That must have crushed his spirit. It certainly crushed ours. The non-selection of Phangiso was an insult to millions of Africans,” he said.
Although Lorgat says the board is not pleased about the lack of black African players in the national squad, he fully backed the squad selection for the World Cup and the decision to leave Phangiso on the bench.