Cricket handles race row badly

Far from bringing closure to the vexed question of racism in South African cricket – and healing its wounds – the case of Mark Boucher has, if anything, led to more polarisation. Feelings among cricket supporters at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) decision to drop all racism charges against the Proteas head coach were divided – and heated – yesterday in the wake of the announcement.

There were those who felt Boucher should answer to those charges and explain hurtful racial incidents in the national camp from years ago – an indication that emotions are still raw. Boucher supporters, on the other hand, believed he was set up as a scapegoat in a process which amounted to a “kangaroo court”.

The CSA disciplinary charges against Boucher collapsed after retired spin star Paul Adams – who has said he was called “brown shit” in sing-along sessions in the Proteas team – declined to testify.

However, CSA’s handling of the whole issue was not only inept, it smacks of grandstanding.

We are not saying the issues of racism should have been dealt with behind closed doors – but surely there were better ways not only to confront the past, but to help the players move past their prejudices.