Lorgat owes SA answers, after confirmation of political meddling in cricket

16 April 2015

AfriForum said that Haroon Lorgat, Chief Executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA) owes South African cricket supporters answers, after Mike Horn, the motivational speaker who supported the Proteas during the Cricket World Cup, admitted that political meddling played a part in the selection of the national team for the semi-final match against New Zealand (see report).

Up to now, Lorgat vehemently denied that race requirements were implemented and that there was political meddling in the compilation of the Proteas team for the semi-final match against New Zealand’s Black Caps.  

Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, says it now looks like Lorgat has spread a lie with his denial. “It explains why Lorgat did not respond to a request by AfriForum to undergo a polygraph test.”

According to Kriel, Horn’s admission enables AfriForum to proceed in full force with submitting an official complaint against CSA at the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to the race requirements which apply in the selection of the national team. Kriel emphasized that the ICC rules specifically forbid any form of racial discrimination and political meddling in cricket.

Kriel is of the view that the racial quota system disadvantaged the Proteas from two sides in the semi-finals. “On the one end the Proteas were inhibited to select their best team, while their opponents New Zealand’s winning runs were scored by Grant Elliot, a South African who left the country because the racial quota system deprived him of opportunities,” Kriel added.

Kriel has called on the public to add their name to the ICC complaint, by SMSing their name to 45343. R1/SMS.

Statement issued by Kallie Kriel, CEO: AfriForum, April 16 2015

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