Controversy hits South African cricket

JOHANNESBURG: South African cricket, already reeling after the national team collapsed to 84 all out in the first Test against India, found itself enmeshed in front page controversy on Sunday.
The Sunday Times reported that vice-captain and star all-rounder Jacques Kallis refused to sing the national anthem, while the Afrikaans newspaper Rapport published strong criticism of the sport’s officials by spin bowler Nicky Boje, who retired suddenly when he was due to join the team for the Test.
Cricket South Africa (SA) will discuss with Kallis what the player describes as “good and valid personal reasons” why he does not sing the national anthem when it is played before international matches.
The Sunday Times published an e-mail from Kallis to a member of the public who had queried why he did not sing the anthem.
Kallis wrote: “It is my choice whether I sing or do not sing the anthem. I certainly do not have to explain my reasons to anyone, especially you. I do have good and valid personal reasons and I intend to keep it that way.”
Kallis refused to elaborate on his comments but Cricket SA chief executive Gerald Majola said the issue would be discussed with the player after the Test.
Meanwhile, Boje told Rapport he felt he had been harshly treated by the selectors. “At some stage you have to ask yourself where you are going and where your loyalties lie. Mine are no longer with the Proteas,” he said.
Boje, who will continue to play domestic cricket for the Eagles franchise, said an unhealthy situation had developed in South African cricket.
He said he believed several players would opt to play their cricket in other countries if they were not selected for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.