da betsul： The Executive Committee of the United Cricket Board of South Africa met inJohannesburg today to discuss issues surrounding the current tour by thenational cricket team in Australia
Media Release08-Jan-2002The Executive Committee of the United Cricket Board of South Africa met inJohannesburg today to discuss issues surrounding the current tour by thenational cricket team in Australia. Contrary to interpretations in themedia, the meeting was not in any way a “disciplinary hearing”, nor wasUCBSA President Percy Sonn called in to face the Executive Committee.The meeting was addressed by the Minister of Sport and Recreation, NgcondeBalfour, who expressed his support for the UCBSA, the national team and forthe process of transformation in South African cricket.The UCBSA acknowledges that it has not always made its policies clear to thepublic and regrets if this interfered in any way with the national team’spreparation or performance during their tour to Australia. All policies andprocedures are currently being outlined in full for the use of everyone inSouth African cricket. In September 2001, the UCBSA began the process ofapplying for an ISO 9002 certification, which involves full annual audits ofall policies and procedures by the SABS.Further issues which were discussed at the meeting and which the ExecutiveCommittee would like to clarify to the media and the public are:* The UCBSA would like to reiterate its position that formercaptain Hansie Cronje has been banned for life by the General Council of theUCBSA. This decision has been upheld by the High Court of South Africa andendorsed by the International Cricket Council. There is no intention toreverse this decision and the UCBSA now considers the matter closed.* The process of selecting the national team includes theendorsement of the team by the President and no team selection is completeuntil it has been endorsed by the President. The Executive Committeeexpressed its concern that the team that was initially under considerationfor the Third Test in Sydney as well as the discussions leading to the finalselection were leaked. The Executive Committee will call for reports on thematter from the Convenor of the national selection committee and the matterwill be discussed by the General Council of the UCBSA at its meeting on 19January. The policy regarding selection of the national team – and accordingto which the President acted – is that where there is an opportunity to doso, young black players who are on the fringes of the team must be given thechance to play for their country.* The UCBSA would like to express its support for andconfidence in the coaching team of Graham Ford and Corrie van Zyl, as wellas in captain Shaun Pollock. All three have contracts with the UCBSA untilafter the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa and the UCB is satisfiedthat they are performing according to those contracts.* The UCBSA understands that some former players may feelneglected by the system of cricket administration in South Africa. The UCBwould like to reassure former players who feel they have South Africancricket at heart that the UCB values their expertise and experience andinvites them to make a contribution to South African cricket in a positivemanner. If there are issues – particularly around transformation – thatthese former players do not fully understand, the UCB would be happy toengage them in discussions.* At the same time, the UCB urges all South Africans to getbehind their national cricket team and to give them their full supportduring the rest of their tour to Australia and in particular the home seriesin South Africa against Australia.Executive CommitteeUnited Cricket Board of South AfricaMedia Inquiries:Bronwyn WilkinsonCommunications Director+27-83-212-8255