Anybody who has ever found themselves in a raging, screaming argument which started out over something well-meaning but misunderstood may be better placed to understand the way Cricket South Africa ending up ‘accusing’ its greatest captain and former Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, and national men’s coach, Mark Boucher, of various things, including racism and unfair racial discrimination
A comment on one of your previous posts. As much as I like to watch the odd T20 game (especially when a Saffer hits 140 from 70 balls) and I would support a domestic T20 league that will help the local game (and local business pockets) I truly hope it does not come to us not fielding a "full strength" Test team versus Australia in Australia. That would be a sad day indeed
Many thanks, Eddie. There was a lot I didn't include - like the fact that, when the SJN was first proposed it was to have included a 'compensation fund' which, I fear, is what motivated a few people to testify.
Oh boy, and HOW they have won out of this! Whole thing from start to finish has cost well in excess of R10million - and the lawyers have pocketed most of it.
Man, so much I want to say but also feel/know just best to say thanks again Neil for a very informative and detailed article, much to ponder about. Just one comment, cricket never won from the start of this until now (which will not be the end)
The entire debacle was a result of a flawed SJN process. It was very one sided and I don't believe the accused were given a fair opportunity to state their case in response to very flimsy accusations. This lead to the extremely serious allegations against Smith and charges against Boucher. To publicly accuse two of South Africa's best ex-cricketers that were merely doing their best to get South African cricket back on track of being racists without any substantiating let alone compelling evidence is utterly disgraceful. After what they did to Smith CSA now have the cheek to suggest he could have an important role to play in setting up their third attempt at a T20 league and then sweep the whole Boucher affair under the carpet and pretend that it never happened. Both have indicated that they will not take their respective matters further which is honorable and the best thing for the future of the game but they both have substantial grounds to take CSA to the cleaners if that's what they wanted to do!!!
You are probably right, Bryan. I am advised that both would have strong claims for damages, but Boucher would prefer to finish his contract and help the team reach its potential with a possibly World Test Championship to play for and tours to England and Australia - not to mention a couple of World Cups.
And Graeme Smith has spent half his life working for the betterment of South African cricket, one way or another, so it's hard to walk away from that. He still harbours hopes of a brighter future in which he remains involved.
I agree with you Neil. I absolutely abhor racism and understand the sensitivity around it given our terrible past but I get very disappointed when it is taken out of context which I believe it was in both these instances. The racial embers that refuse to die in our country don't need to be flamed by frivolous and vexatious accusations. Thank you for your excellent articles and for giving us insight into what's happening "behind the scenes" in cricket here and abroad. Kind regards, Bryan
There doesn't appear to be anybody around to sort anything out - the building is empty! Five Executive positions need to be filled but there is a shortage of quality, and qualified, candidates. Funny that...
Unfortunately Manners this 'problem' in all South African sports is not going to go away anytime soon. Soccer seems to be the least affected by these 'racist' type verbals being thrown around and it is easy to understand why.... most players, staff and coaches are black.
Its a pity that this whole CSA debacle was not looked at by some 'level' heads before tearing off to charge Smith and Bouchie but the 'law' of the land basically dictated they had to pursue it and that in itself leaves a nasty taste in the mouth (almost like racism in reverse). I am sure there was a certain amount of racism shown but to have singled out these two for special treatment was only because of the positions they now held which others wanted or something pretty close to that and as said 'this is not going away anytime soon'. Thanks for the article and the insight. Graham Riley / The AGA Program
South African cricket has produced many brilliant, world class players of all races over the years. CSA should focus on finding and developing new talent, and supporting the game and its players. Race based witch hunts are hugely divisive and damaging, and should be thrown out the back door onto the old Apartheid junk heap.
And the good news, Trevor, is that brilliant players are still being produced. Only when that stops do we pack our bags and find something else to follow and support...
A comment on one of your previous posts. As much as I like to watch the odd T20 game (especially when a Saffer hits 140 from 70 balls) and I would support a domestic T20 league that will help the local game (and local business pockets) I truly hope it does not come to us not fielding a "full strength" Test team versus Australia in Australia. That would be a sad day indeed
Thanx for a really informative unravelling of what has happened to date! Nice and simply explained.
What a lovely surprise to hear from you, my old friend! Hope to catch up at some point during the next few months...! And, thank you...
VERY WELL WRITTEN AS ALWAYS!
Many thanks, Eddie. There was a lot I didn't include - like the fact that, when the SJN was first proposed it was to have included a 'compensation fund' which, I fear, is what motivated a few people to testify.
I just detest situations like this where the lawyers are the only winners.
Oh boy, and HOW they have won out of this! Whole thing from start to finish has cost well in excess of R10million - and the lawyers have pocketed most of it.
Man, so much I want to say but also feel/know just best to say thanks again Neil for a very informative and detailed article, much to ponder about. Just one comment, cricket never won from the start of this until now (which will not be the end)
No, cricket certainly hasn't been the winner. The lawyers are the winners...
Thank you for the column. Not easy in SA!
Cheers Wade - at least we have some exciting cricket ON the field to look forward to in July/August...
The entire debacle was a result of a flawed SJN process. It was very one sided and I don't believe the accused were given a fair opportunity to state their case in response to very flimsy accusations. This lead to the extremely serious allegations against Smith and charges against Boucher. To publicly accuse two of South Africa's best ex-cricketers that were merely doing their best to get South African cricket back on track of being racists without any substantiating let alone compelling evidence is utterly disgraceful. After what they did to Smith CSA now have the cheek to suggest he could have an important role to play in setting up their third attempt at a T20 league and then sweep the whole Boucher affair under the carpet and pretend that it never happened. Both have indicated that they will not take their respective matters further which is honorable and the best thing for the future of the game but they both have substantial grounds to take CSA to the cleaners if that's what they wanted to do!!!
You are probably right, Bryan. I am advised that both would have strong claims for damages, but Boucher would prefer to finish his contract and help the team reach its potential with a possibly World Test Championship to play for and tours to England and Australia - not to mention a couple of World Cups.
And Graeme Smith has spent half his life working for the betterment of South African cricket, one way or another, so it's hard to walk away from that. He still harbours hopes of a brighter future in which he remains involved.
I agree with you Neil. I absolutely abhor racism and understand the sensitivity around it given our terrible past but I get very disappointed when it is taken out of context which I believe it was in both these instances. The racial embers that refuse to die in our country don't need to be flamed by frivolous and vexatious accusations. Thank you for your excellent articles and for giving us insight into what's happening "behind the scenes" in cricket here and abroad. Kind regards, Bryan
Difficult working environment Wasn’t GM in charge wen this happened and no one @ CSA to sort this out then ….!!
There doesn't appear to be anybody around to sort anything out - the building is empty! Five Executive positions need to be filled but there is a shortage of quality, and qualified, candidates. Funny that...
Unfortunately Manners this 'problem' in all South African sports is not going to go away anytime soon. Soccer seems to be the least affected by these 'racist' type verbals being thrown around and it is easy to understand why.... most players, staff and coaches are black.
Its a pity that this whole CSA debacle was not looked at by some 'level' heads before tearing off to charge Smith and Bouchie but the 'law' of the land basically dictated they had to pursue it and that in itself leaves a nasty taste in the mouth (almost like racism in reverse). I am sure there was a certain amount of racism shown but to have singled out these two for special treatment was only because of the positions they now held which others wanted or something pretty close to that and as said 'this is not going away anytime soon'. Thanks for the article and the insight. Graham Riley / The AGA Program
Thanks for the comment, Graham. I remain stubbornly optimistic. What choice do we have? :)
Yup I suppose we do....... just a pity people can't concentrate on cricket and leave politics out of it. Cheers manners and stay safe boet. Graham
South African cricket has produced many brilliant, world class players of all races over the years. CSA should focus on finding and developing new talent, and supporting the game and its players. Race based witch hunts are hugely divisive and damaging, and should be thrown out the back door onto the old Apartheid junk heap.
And the good news, Trevor, is that brilliant players are still being produced. Only when that stops do we pack our bags and find something else to follow and support...