South Africa Head Coach and former wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has found himself in the middle of a controversy. He has been charged by Cricket South Africa(CSA) with ‘gross misconduct’ after he was accused of racism by his former teammate Paul Adams. The charges emerged following the findings from Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) report, which is looking into past allegations against a number of people including Boucher. The CSA has appointed senior advocate Terry Motau as the chairperson of disciplinary hearing into allegations of misconduct against the SA coach.
Mark Boucher involved in a racism controversy
Former spinner Paul Adams recently claimed that he had been called a “brown s**t” in a South Africa team song during his time in the side, which was for the duration of nine years from 1995 to 2004. It includes the former wicketkeeper Mark Boucher who has since apologised for the remarks.
“The Board remains mindful of its duty to treat allegations of racism or discrimination with the utmost seriousness and in a manner that ensures fairness and due process in terms of South Africa’s Constitution and labour legislation. It is now up to the inquiry to determine to which extent the allegations are true and justify the need for further disciplinary steps,” CSA chairperson Lawson Naidoo said in a statement released on the board’s official website.
“While Mr Boucher is being charged with gross misconduct, which could lead to his dismissal, CSA emphasises it is important that the independent inquiry first needs to test all allegations before any question of sanction can arise,” the statement further read.
Mark Boucher breaks silence on the charges
Boucher, reacting to the charges, said that he will defend himself in due course. I look forward to dealing with and defending these allegations which have been made and will do so at the hearing in due course,” Boucher said in a statement. For now I am solely focused on my duties as head coach of the Proteas”, he added.
The report also criticised current CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith and former national team captain AB de Villiers. However, both the former cricketers have snubbed the allegations. We will have to see how this matter progresses moving forward.
