South Africa Introduces Racial Quotas For Cricket Team

A minimum of six black cricketers must be included in South Africa's national team under new racial quotas.

The "targets", as they are officially called, are for all three formats of the game - Tests, one-day internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 internationals - over the season.

They have been in place at provincial level for several years, but it is the first time they have been introduced for the top side.

They are aimed at increasing the number of black players in a sport still dominated by white people.

The target of at least six black players, of which two must be black African, was reached in the side's most recent game - their victorious second test over New Zealand in Centurion.

There were two black Africans - Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada - and four other non-white players Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander and Dane Piedt in the starting team of 11.

The quotas were confirmed at Cricket South Africa's (CSA) annual general meeting in Johannesburg after being discussed by sub-committees.

CSA president Chris Nenzani said: "The test starting XI that played in the recent series against New Zealand contained six players of colour and two Black Africans.

"And the ODI starting XI had as many as eight players of colour in their most recent series against the West Indies and Australia."

He added: "With the targets being measured over the full season and being cumulative across all three formats, our selectors and team management will have the flexibility to deal with varying circumstances.

"This shows very clearly that the targets are very attainable and sustainable and we will maintain the world-class standards that our players regularly produce."

South Africa next play in a one-day international against Ireland on 25 September, before facing Australia in the first of five 50-over matches at home on 30 September.

Sixteen years ago, cricketer Kevin Pietersen, who has an Afrikaner father and English mother, left South Africa for Britain as a teenager in protest at the racial quota system which he felt was unfairly restricting his opportunities.