'Will not be taking any questions regarding this matter': Paul Adams declines to testify against Mark Boucher

Former Proteas spinner Paul Adams has confirmed through a statement that he will not be a witness in the upcoming hearing of ex-teammate Mark Boucher.

Adams said that things were misconstrued by a statement released on Sunday morning, and his appearance at Cricket South Africa's (CSA) Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) was not to criticise Boucher. 

The ex-South African leg-spinner made shocking allegations against Boucher at the SJN hearings in 2021, alleging racial discrimination from the now-Proteas coach in the late 1990s.

The 45-year-old revealed in his own words that at the time, Boucher was among those who used to call him 'brown sh**' because of his skin colour.

The cricketer-turned-head coach later apologised for his actions, but he was subsequently charged for blatant misconduct by CSA. As a result, the hearing was set for 16-20 May.

Adams clarified that it wasn't his job or desire to find Boucher guilty or not and to be cross-examined. He is not eager to make any self-promotion out of the whole situation. 

"In conclusion, as has been a position from the start, I will not be taking any questions on to use with regards with this matter out of respect of the processes that South African cricket has embarked on and still need to conclude," Adams commented as reported by 'The South African'.

Excerpts from Paul Adams' full statement

In regards to attending SJN, Adams said, "the only time I confirmed a name was when the panel asked if I addressed Mark Boucher personally regarding the nickname and I replied that he was part of a broader group that sang the song and that I never addressed the matter within the team environment at the time. I was young and naïve at the time, trying to fit in and represent my country as best I could. I indicated, upon reflection and after discussing with my wife (my girlfriend at the time), that I felt humiliated by the song. Not at any stage did I mention any player's name who may have initiated the song."