Stabroek News

Cricket South Africa to investigat­e Smith and Boucher over racism allegation­s

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CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) - Cricket South Africa (CSA) said yesterday that it would formally investigat­e director of cricket Graeme Smith and national team head coach Mark Boucher following allegation­s of racist conduct in an ombudsman's report.

The pair were among a number of CSA employees implicated in "tentative findings" made by the Social Justice and Nation Building Ombudsman into alleged discrimina­tion within the sport's national governing organisati­on in the past.

A number of players of colour came forward to say they had been treated unfairly, with former spinner Paul Adams saying he had been called a "brown shit" in a South Africa team song during his time in the side, including by former wicket-keeper Boucher.

Boucher has since apologised.

The ombudsman report, submitted to CSA earlier this month, also criticised Smith and former national team captain AB de Villiers for selection decisions made during their time at the helm of the side, which it said were prejudicia­l towards Black players.

Smith and de Villiers have denied the allegation.

"The Board has decided to institute formal inquiries into CSA employees, suppliers or contractor­s who are implicated by the report," CSA said yesterday, adding that the process will take place after India's current test and One-Day Internatio­nal tour of the country.

"The Board has done so mindful of its duty to treat allegation­s of racism or discrimina­tion with the utmost seriousnes­s," it added.

"The formal inquiries will be conducted by independen­t legal profession­als. Further details with regards to the inquiries will be announced in due course. Smith and Boucher remain in their positions and will continue to carry out their duties during the India tour."

 ?? ?? Graeme Smith (left) and Mark Boucher
Graeme Smith (left) and Mark Boucher

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