While the Proteas face India with an eye on clinching the 50-over series, they have some concern going into the second ODI match, with head coach Mark Boucher being charged with ‘gross misconduct’ by Cricket South Africa (CSA).

It all began when the Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) report, released last month, found Boucher to have engaged in racially prejudiced conduct.

The CSA has appointed senior advocate Terry Motau as the chairperson of disciplinary hearing into charges of misconduct against the head coach.

"The Board remains mindful of its duty to treat allegations of racism or discrimination with the utmost seriousness and in a manner that ensures fairness and due process in terms of South Africa’s Constitution and labour legislation. It is now up to the inquiry to determine to which extent the allegations are true and justify the need for further disciplinary steps,” CSA chairperson Lawson Naidoo said in a statement released on the board's official website.

In particular, during the SJN process, allegations of racism were levelled against Boucher by his former teammate, Paul Adams.

While the allegations could lead to Boucher’s dismissal, CSA has highlighted that it is important for the independent inquiry to inspect all the claims before any question of sanction can arise.

“While Mr Boucher is being charged with gross misconduct, which could lead to his dismissal, CSA emphasises it is important that the independent inquiry first needs to test all allegations before any question of sanction can arise,” the statement further read.

Reacting to the allegations, Boucher said he will defend himself in due course.

"I look forward to dealing with and defending these allegations which have been made and will do so at the hearing in due course," Boucher said in a statement.

"For now I am solely focused on my duties as head coach of the Proteas."

The Ombudsman, who prepared the SJN Report, had also criticized current CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith and former skipper AB de Villiers. The report claimed selection decisions made during their times as captain of the side were discriminatory towards Black players.

Meanwhile, both Smith and De Villiers have rubbished the allegations.

(With Hindustan Times inputs)