Cricket South Africa (CSA) has come under fire for its failure to meet “transformational targets” in the selection of the South African T20 World Cup 2024 squad, with only one black African player, Kagiso Rabada, making the cut in the Aiden Markram-led team.

The impending T20 World Cup, set to commence after the culmination of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, will be hosted in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) in June. South Africa finds itself placed in Group D alongside Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Nepal.

South Africa’s T20 World Cup Squad: A cause for concern

The provisional 15-man squad announced by SA features six players of color, including Rabada. However, CSA’s policy stipulates that over a season, the South African playing XI must include six players of color, with at least two hailing from the black African community. With Rabada as the sole black African in the T20 WC squad, the team is set to fall short of this target.

Among the players of color in the squad are Reeza Hendricks, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Ottniel Baartman. Lungi Ngidi, another black African player, has been included only as part of the travelling reserves.

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Concerns raised by former officials

Former South Africa Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula expressed his dismay over the squad composition, highlighting the lack of African representation. He took to social media to voice his concerns, emphasizing the importance of fair representation in the national cricket team.

“Only 1 African player selected in the Proteas Team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 Team. Definitely a reserval of the gains of transformation and doesn’t reflect fair representation of all South Africans in the national cricket team,” Mbalula wrote.

Similarly, former CSA and ICC president Ray Mali echoed these sentiments, expressing his disappointment in the regression of the game in South Africa. Mali emphasized the need for greater inclusion of black players in the national cricket team, emphasizing that the current state of affairs is unacceptable.

Fan discontent and support for criticism

Criticism from fans has also been directed at CSA’s decision, with many expressing their disappointment and extending their support to former Sports Minister Mbalula’s tweet. The lack of representation has sparked a debate on the progress of transformation in South African cricket and the need for greater inclusivity in team selection.

It is important to note that CSA currently operates without a committee of selectors, with squad selections being made by head coaches Shukri Conrad (Tests) and Rob Walter (ODI and T20Is). While teams have until May 25 to make modifications to their squads, any changes require approval from the ICC’s technical committee.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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