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Mark Boucher at Newlands. Picture: ASHLEY VLOTMAN/GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
Disciplinary proceedings against SA cricket head coach Mark Boucher over charges of racism were postponed on Tuesday until May, after his lawyers requested current Proteas players be allowed to testify in his favour.
Former spinner Paul Adams alleged in 2021 that he was subjected to racial discrimination and name-calling during his time with the national team, with Boucher later apologising “unreservedly for any offensive conduct, real or perceived”.
Adams played for SA between 1995 and 2004, during which time Boucher was wicketkeeper.
Advocate Terry Motau, chairing the inquiry set up by Cricket SA, said he had decided to postpone the hearing in light of the request from Boucher’s legal team for current players to testify. Cricket SA had wanted it to be held from March 7-11.
SA travel to New Zealand for a two-Test series starting on February 17, and later host Bangladesh from March 18. Boucher’s team indicated that having a hearing between the two tours would be disruptive.
“Cricket SA argued for expediency and a speedy commencement and finalisation of the proceedings, given that some of the allegations occurred some time ago,” Motau said in a statement.
The hearing will take place in the week starting May 16, he added.
Boucher earlier said he “looked forward to dealing with and defending these allegations”, adding that he was solely focused on his duties as head coach of the team.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Boucher racism hearing postponed to May
Disciplinary proceedings against SA cricket head coach Mark Boucher over charges of racism were postponed on Tuesday until May, after his lawyers requested current Proteas players be allowed to testify in his favour.
Former spinner Paul Adams alleged in 2021 that he was subjected to racial discrimination and name-calling during his time with the national team, with Boucher later apologising “unreservedly for any offensive conduct, real or perceived”.
Adams played for SA between 1995 and 2004, during which time Boucher was wicketkeeper.
Advocate Terry Motau, chairing the inquiry set up by Cricket SA, said he had decided to postpone the hearing in light of the request from Boucher’s legal team for current players to testify. Cricket SA had wanted it to be held from March 7-11.
SA travel to New Zealand for a two-Test series starting on February 17, and later host Bangladesh from March 18. Boucher’s team indicated that having a hearing between the two tours would be disruptive.
“Cricket SA argued for expediency and a speedy commencement and finalisation of the proceedings, given that some of the allegations occurred some time ago,” Motau said in a statement.
The hearing will take place in the week starting May 16, he added.
Boucher earlier said he “looked forward to dealing with and defending these allegations”, adding that he was solely focused on his duties as head coach of the team.
Reuters
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