Cricket South Africa Launches 'Cricket for Social Justice and Nation Building' Project To Address Racism In The Game

Cricket South Africa has announced its plans to address the alleged racism in the game after several Proteas players- led by fast bowler Lungi Ngidi- pledged their support to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.

The ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement has engulfed the world after African-American George Floyd was killed by the Minneapolis police in the United States. Since then several players from all around the world have come out and revealed their experiences of having faced racism during their playing days.

In South Africa, which has an ugly history as far as racism is concerned, a plethora of former and current players have pledged their support towards the BLM which includes the likes of Makhaya Ntini, Herschelle Gibbs, Hashim Amla, Kagiso Rabada, Faf du Plessis, and the current director of cricket Graeme Smith.

“The national outcry by cricket fans, the greater South African public and broad stakeholder groups could not be ignored,” Cricket South Africa said in a statement on Friday referring to the their newly launched project ‘Cricket for Social Justice and Nation Building’ [SJN].

Also Read: Makhaya Ntini, Herschelle Gibbs Lend Support To Lungi Ngidi’s Black Lives Matter Movement

“SJN is the first-of-its-kind project meant to rid cricket of apartheid racial discrimination”- Cricket South Africa Chairman Chris Nenzani

CSA will set up a “Transformation Ombudsman” whose main work will include the management of the independent complaints system as well as managing the healing, restoration, and uniting process of cricketers, fans, and the nation, starting with former players.

Recently, former South African fast bowler Makhaya Ntini revealed his experience of facing racism during his playing days. CSA Chairman Chris Nenzani expressed his heartfelt apology for the hardships that players like Nitini have had to face.

“We are sorry that our cricket players had to endure the emotional hardships that they did; subjugated by their peers along racial lines under our new democracy that enjoined us to embrace reconciliation and inclusivity,” CSA Chairman Chris Nenzani said.

“SJN is the first-of-its-kind project meant to rid cricket of apartheid racial discrimination. This is a very important project that all stakeholders must make sure succeeds for the future sustainability of cricket.” he added.

“The fortunes of cricket, its players, stakeholders, and fans are not going to be held to ransom by the wayward few who definitely have no place within our ranks,” he added.

Nenzani also came out strongly against former players who are opposing the transformation of South African cricket, which during the Apartheid regime did not allow non-white cricketers to play on their soil.

“We are determined to pull out all stops to ensure that healing takes place for those who have been wronged, and that perpetrators are exposed, sanctioned, and isolated,” Nenzani said.

Acting CEO Dr Jacques Faul. meanwhile, added: “We commit that never again shall we be found wanting and will consolidate our efforts to assure an inclusive cricket environment, free of any discrimination, racism or any other ill that negate the gains of the democracy that we fought so hard for.”

Also Read: Watch: Makhaya Ntini Reveals Disturbing Details Of Racial Discrimination He Faced From His Ex-South Africa Teammates