HOW long are we cricket players, administrators and cricket lovers in the northern areas going to allow Eastern Province cricket administrators to implement transformation policies that border on racism? A case in point is that every EP cricket team must include three black African players, which is not problematic so long as the selections are based on merit.
On January 27 a coloured player was the man of the match, bowling EP to victory against North West in a 20/20 fixture ("EP rush to T20 victory", January 28). The next week he was dropped to comply with the "black African transformation policy" that every team must include three black Africans.
It is needless to say that EP lost both fixtures last weekend, but the real question is whether this is fair? One has to feel for the coaches, who cannot focus on their core business of coaching the best possible team at their disposal.
What message is being sent by Eastern Province Cricket to our aspirant future "Warriors"?
Are we not encouraging these home- grown and talented young players to seek non-racial playing opportunities elsewhere?
This "black African transformation policy" is not being practised by any of the other cricketing provinces. With a majority of players and cricket clubs coming from the northern areas, is it not time that we elect administrators who want the best for EP Cricket and their players, irrespective of their skin colour?
Perhaps those in power need reminding that coloured people were at the forefront in the struggle for non-racial cricket in South Africa. It seems as if a new struggle is beginning.
Concerned cricket administrator (name supplied), Port Elizabeth
Letters
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