Cricket South Africa (CSA), on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, announced that they were formally and unreservedly withdrawing all charges of gross misconduct, including racism, against national coach Mark Boucher, less than a week before he was to defend himself in a disciplinary hearing.
Boucher, a former wicketkeeper-batter, was charged with racist behavior and also faced possible sacking from his position as head coach of the national team after he was accused by ex-South Africa teammate Paul Adams of singing a song that had racially derogatory wording in meetings after matches in their playing days.
However, CSA said none of the charges were "sustainable" after Adams and former Proteas assistant coach Enoch Nkwe decided not to testify at next week's hearings.
The recent ruling in the Graeme Smith arbitration also fortified the conclusion that the charges against Boucher would be dismissed.
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"The allegations of racism which were leveled against me were unjustified and have caused me considerable hurt and anguish. The last few months have been extremely difficult to endure for me and my family. I am glad that the process has finally come to an end and that CSA has accepted that the charges against me are unsustainable.
I consider that the matter is now finalized and closed and I do not intend to make further statements on this matter. I look forward to continuing to focus on my job and to take the Proteas men's team to even greater heights," Boucher said in a statement.
Lawson Naidoo, Chair of the CSA Board, commented: “CSA has at all times been committed to dealing with the SJN issues in a manner that treats them with utmost seriousness but also ensures fairness, due process, and finality. The decision to withdraw the charges brings about finality on these issues for CSA and Mark and allows the focus to return to the cricket field – where we trust that Mark and the Proteas will go from strength to strength.”
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Pholetsi Moseki, the CEO of CSA commented: “CSA appreciates that it has been very difficult for Mark to deal with these charges hanging over his head over the last few months. CSA regrets this. CSA is also appreciative of the fact that Mark has at all times conducted himself properly and professionally – refusing to be drawn into public debates about the charges and carrying out his duties with commitment and dedication. The performance of the Proteas Men’s team over this period has been extremely impressive, particularly in the Test arena, and this speaks to the efforts of Mark, his support staff, and the players.”
(PTI/CSA inputs)
