After recording the 2-1 Test series victory over the world No. 1 Test team, South African cricketers led Faf du Plessis posed for the photographs with the ‘Freedom Trophy’ (named after Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela) at the stunning Wanderers Stadium on Saturday (January 27). However, little did they know that their team picture will become the talk of the town.
While the likes of Hashim Amla, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj were spotted standing on the left side, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, AB de Villiers, Morne Morkel, Duanne Olivier, Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram were seen on the right. It could well be a coincidence, but all the coloured players posed for the pictures from one side and all the white cricketers from the other.
Given the fact that South Africa was barred from cricket due to apartheid in the past, the picture doesn’t really send a positive message. No wonder, folks in social media pointed it out through their tweets.
"Don't make everything about race, Chair-po!" pic.twitter.com/VKBcR9wFgz
— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) January 28, 2018
Racism still in South Africa? #INDvSA #SAvIND #FreedomSeries pic.twitter.com/0GLbLOKTvc
— Rakesh (@rakeshvchandran) January 29, 2018
This might be worst coincidence ever for South Africa,but I fear this is Apartheid ingrained at such a deep subconscious level. #SAvIND #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/PQitVRTNHr
— Sandeep Ramesh (@SandeepRamesh) January 29, 2018
It should be said that Faf du Plessis and company posed for the pictures without even realizing their position. The Proteas players often exhibit an amazing camaraderie on the field. In fact, during the Test series against India Du Plessis has been seen kissing the speedster Kagiso Rabada on the forehead quite a few times.
