Quota system prevailing in South Africa cricket should stop: Michael Holding

Former West Indies legendary fast bowler Michael Holding feels that the quota system prevailing in South Africa shouldn’t be a solution going forward and players should be selected on merit. However, he agreed to the fact that it has solely happened due to the racial discrimination in the Rainbow Nation. 

 “In my book, both Makhaya Ntini and I agree that a quota system is never going to be the solution. We can understand why it has taken place as people are desperate for change – and as rapidly as possible. But the best solution is to make opportunities available for everyone,” Holding was quoted as saying during an exclusive interview with the Indian Express. 

Racial discrimination has been very prevalent in South Africa especially during the apartheid era. According to the current quota system prevailing in the South African cricket team, as many as 6 coloured players have to be in the team including two black players. The provision has been largely made to provide equal opportunities to the black people who faced innumerable challenges and discrimination in the past. 

Former South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini who was the first black South African player to represent the country in cricket faced discrimination even during his stint with the national team. Ntini had earlier said that he avoided travelling on the team bus and used to run to the hotel after the match. He used to sit alone at the table while having food as none of the other players wanted to sit with him. 

“Yeah, he didn’t feel comfortable with the team. And he related a story that he would go for breakfast [first] and sit at a table. Other team members would come in and sit at another table. None of them would come and join him. Because of course, he was the first black African to play for South Africa. But he was all alone at his table,” Holding said on this particular aspect. 

You know, it is not shocking to me. When you have a country with that sort of history [of apartheid], it takes a long time for people to accept that we are all human beings. The apartheid regime doesn’t just get washed away and everything goes back to normal. It will take time for people to understand, people to accept and for people to come together,” the fast bowler further added. 

Holding said that despite performing admirably for his team, Ntini never got the due respect due to the history of the Rainbow nation. He was looked as more of a quota player instead of someone who justified his place in the team. 

“The quota system just shows that you are in a hurry to be where you want to be. In my opinion, that should not last. You can’t keep on having a quota system forever and forever. Ntini talks about it – he is in the South African team and is being looked at as a quota player instead of being justified of his place. He was mentally strong and able to get over it. Not everyone is going to be like that, though. It can destroy your mind,” Holding further added.