Cricket South Africa taken to task over ‘destructive’ racial quotas

The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) says it will approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a complaint regarding transformation targets in South African cricket.

Domestic teams are currently required to field six players of colour in every fixture with at least three black Africans included. In international cricket, the same overall number applies, with a minimum of two black Africans. These are calculated on average over a complete season.

IRR to approach global cricket body

The IRR has, however, accused Cricket South Africa (CSA) of “making racism its official policy”.

The institute called on members of the public to join it in sending a letter of complaint to the ICC.

The real problem in South African sport is that little has been done over twenty years to promote sport and its unifying and developmental potential at a grassroots level.

“If the South African government wants true transformation in cricket it should work to ensuring that all those who would want to play the game in this country have the opportunity to do so,” the IRR said.

“However, according to the Department of Education’s own statistics only 6% South Africa’s public schools have cricket facilities. This must change and all those who want to play the game must have the opportunity to do so.

“Furthermore, IRR research shows that the majority of South Africans want their teams selected on merit, with no racial quotas. According to IRR research from 2019 over 80% of South Africans said that teams should be selected solely on merit.”

Institute of Race Relations (IRR)

CSA policies come under fire 

This follows revelations from civil rights organisation, AfriForum that it would take CSA to court over similar race-based policies.

The sports body recently announced that it would hire only black professionals in consultancy roles.

AfriForum said the move was akin to racial discrimination.

“AfriForum takes a firm stand against any form of racial discrimination and will therefore take the necessary action in this matter.”

Ernst Roets, AfriForum