FILE Warriors players pictured during a recent match against the Titans.
Image: Backpagepix
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has slammed Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) “rigid enforcement of transformation quotas” following the unprecedented punishment handed down to the Warriors in the 1-Day Cup.
The Warriors were docked off points and fined R500,000 for fielding only two Black African players instead of the stipulated three during a CSA 1-Day Cup match against the Dolphins in February. As a result of the points deduction, they dropped down in the competition’s standings and will no longer be involved in Wednesday’s qualifier.
The Dolphins, who were then given the four points for the win, will now host the Titans at Kingsmead on Wednesday in the Qualifier 1 despite the Warriors’ protestations.
Under Cricket SA’s transformation regulations related to all Men’s domestic cricket, teams are stipulated to field six players of colour which needs to include a mandatory of three Black African players in each game.
Liam Jacobs, DA member of parliament and spokesperson on Sports, Arts & Culture, says CSA is prioritising numbers over genuine development.
“True transformation must focus on nurturing talent from the grassroots level, improving access to facilities, and ensuring that opportunities are available to all aspiring players, regardless of race,” Jacobs said in a statement.
Jacobs has questioned the “fairness and practicality of CSA’s transformation policies” after the Warriors debacle.
“The decision to deduct five points from the Warriors – effectively eliminating them from contention due to fielding two Black African players, instead of the mandated three, raises serious questions on the fairness and practicality of CSA’s transformation policies,” Jacobs added.
“A lot more must be done to invest in areas in our country without opportunities, in ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can make it through the ranks.
“However, selection in sport must ultimately be based on merit, skill, and performance, rather than racial classifications that undermine both the spirit of competition, and the principles of non-discrimination enshrined in our Constitution.”