Cricket South Africa (CSA) has come under fire for its T20 World Cup squad, which includes only one black African player, Kagiso Rabada, out of the fifteen members. The squad’s composition has drawn criticism for not meeting CSA’s “transformational targets,” which aim to promote diversity and inclusion in cricket.
CSA’s policy mandates that six players of color should be included in the South African playing eleven over a season, with at least two from the black African community. However, with Rabada being the sole representative in the squad, the national team falls short of meeting this target.
Apart from Rabada, the squad features five other players of color: Reeza Hendricks, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Ottniel Baartman. Notably, Lungi Ngidi, another black African player, is among the travelling reserves but is not part of the main squad. ODI captain Temba Bavuma was also omitted from the World Cup squad.
Former South Africa Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula criticized the squad’s composition, describing it as a “reversal of the gains of transformation.” Mbalula emphasized that the inclusion of only one black African player does not represent the diversity of South Africa.
Former CSA and ICC president Ray Mali echoed concerns, expressing disappointment in the lack of progress in promoting diversity in cricket. Mali called for a return to a selection committee, emphasizing the importance of inclusive decision-making in a diverse country like South Africa.
Currently, CSA’s selection process lacks a committee of selectors, with head coaches Shukri Conrad and Rob Walter responsible for selecting the team. Walter defended the squad, attributing the lack of diversity to the limited depth in the domestic cricket circuit.
