T20 World Cup 2024: "It's a shame" - AB de Villiers on racial controversy in South African squad
Published - 30 May 2024, 03:43 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:12 AM
Former Proteas cricketer AB de Villiers expressed his disappointment over the racial quota controversy surrounding South Africa's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. AB de Villiers stated that such controversies detract from the team's preparation for a major tournament like the World Cup.
The Cricket South Africa (CSA) selection committee selected only one Black African player, Kagiso Rabada, in the 15-member T20 World Cup 2024 squad. However, it's noted that the Proteas squad comprises Reeza Hendricks, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Ottniel Baartman as players of color.
According to Cricket South Africa guidelines, each playing XI should include six players of color, with at least two being black Africans. Lungi Ngidi, another black African player, is part of the traveling reserves. South Africa is set to begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in New York on Monday, June 3.
It's A Shame Going Into A Tournament - AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers opened up about the racial quota debate in the South African cricket team just before the World Cup. De Villiers said that he is no longer involved in the current situation and is now just a spectator.
“It's a shame going into a tournament to have the focus on that. I mean it's nothing new, it's just a shame, luckily this time around, I've had nothing to do with anything over there. I'm just a spectator. There are controversial moments back home as per usual with the South African squad just before a World Cup,” AB de Villiers said in an interaction with PTI facilitated by 'Jio Cinema'.
Fast bowler Makhaya Ntini made history in 1998 by becoming the first player from the black African community to join South Africa's men's cricket team. Middle-order batter Temba Bavuma became the first black African captain of South Africa's Test cricket team in 2023.
There Are Controversial Moments Back Home - AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers said that Lungi Ngidi missed the World Cup squad due to his loss of form and injuries. He noted that controversies often arise just before major tournaments. He highlighted the importance of looking at the team's performance over the season rather than focusing on individuals.
"There are controversial moments back home as per usual with the South African squad just before a World Cup. I think it's a good team. It's a shame about Lungi... (he) lost a bit of form, had a couple of injuries. Otherwise, he most probably would have been in the squad and there wouldn't have been any controversial stuff back home," de Villiers added.
"Sometimes these things happen and it puts you under a bit of pressure as a selection panel and as a coach and a captain. From what I remember is with the quota system, it's an average team, an average number over the season and they don't really look at every series, but as journalists sometimes enjoy steaming up things a bit."
Temba Bavuma led the South African cricket team in the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, the team suffered an unexpected defeat to the Netherlands and was eliminated from the tournament. The right-handed batter scored only 70 runs in five matches at an average of 17.50 and a disappointing strike rate of 112.90.
