United Cricket Board Media Statement

The Executive Committee of the United Cricket Board of South Africa met in Johannesburg today to discuss issues surrounding the current tour by the national cricket team in Australia. Contrary to interpretations in the media, the meeting was not in any way a "disciplinary hearing", nor was UCBSA President Percy Sonn called in to face the Executive Committee.

The meeting was addressed by the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Ngconde Balfour, who expressed his support for the UCBSA, the national team and for the process of transformation in South African cricket.

The UCBSA acknowledges that it has not always made its policies clear to the public and regrets if this interfered in any way with the national team's preparation or performance during their tour to Australia. All policies and procedures are currently being outlined in full for the use of everyone in South African cricket. In September 2001, the UCBSA began the process of applying for an ISO 9002 certification, which involves full annual audits of all policies and procedures by the SABS.

Further issues which were discussed at the meeting and which the Executive Committee would like to clarify to the media and the public are:

* The UCBSA would like to reiterate its position that former captain Hansie Cronje has been banned for life by the General Council of the UCBSA. This decision has been upheld by the High Court of South Africa and endorsed by the International Cricket Council. There is no intention to reverse this decision and the UCBSA now considers the matter closed.

* The process of selecting the national team includes the endorsement of the team by the President and no team selection is complete until it has been endorsed by the President. The Executive Committee expressed its concern that the team that was initially under consideration for the Third Test in Sydney as well as the discussions leading to the final selection were leaked. The Executive Committee will call for reports on the matter from the Convenor of the national selection committee and the matter will be discussed by the General Council of the UCBSA at its meeting on 19 January. The policy regarding selection of the national team - and according to which the President acted - is that where there is an opportunity to do so, young black players who are on the fringes of the team must be given the chance to play for their country.

* The UCBSA would like to express its support for and confidence in the coaching team of Graham Ford and Corrie van Zyl, as well as in captain Shaun Pollock. All three have contracts with the UCBSA until after the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa and the UCB is satisfied that they are performing according to those contracts.

* The UCBSA understands that some former players may feel neglected by the system of cricket administration in South Africa. The UCB would like to reassure former players who feel they have South African cricket at heart that the UCB values their expertise and experience and invites them to make a contribution to South African cricket in a positive manner. If there are issues - particularly around transformation - that these former players do not fully understand, the UCB would be happy to engage them in discussions.

* At the same time, the UCB urges all South Africans to get behind their national cricket team and to give them their full support during the rest of their tour to Australia and in particular the home series in South Africa against Australia.

Executive Committee

United Cricket Board of South Africa