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South Africa T20 World Cup 2024 Squad 'Under Fire' For Lack Of Black African Players

Sumit Gupta

Cricket South Africa recently announced T20 WC squad [X] Cricket South Africa recently announced T20 WC squad [X]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has faced significant criticism for its selection of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad, which includes only one black African player, Kagiso Rabada. 

The decision has sparked concerns about the regression in the country's efforts towards achieving transformation in cricket.

Criticism Over Squad Composition

Former South Africa Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula and former CSA chief Ray Mali have voiced their disappointment. 

Mbalula commented on social media, "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."


Ray Mali echoed these sentiments, stating, "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."

The 15-man provisional squad includes six players of colour: Kagiso Rabada, Reeza Hendricks, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Ottniel Baartman.

However, the CSA's policy mandates that six players of colour should be in the playing eleven over a season, with at least two being black African. With only Rabada in the squad, the team falls short of this requirement.

Lungi Ngidi, another black African player, is included as a travelling reserve but not in the main squad. ODI captain Temba Bavuma was also not picked for the World Cup.

Rob Walter, head coach for ODI and T20Is, defended the squad selection, stating the domestic circuit lacks the depth to assemble a more diverse team. 

However, Mali called for the return of a selection committee, arguing against one person making crucial decisions in a diverse country like South Africa.

The T20 World Cup 2024, starting June 2 in the USA and the West Indies, will see South Africa in Group D alongside Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal.