CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) β South Africa’s sports minister has denied that he influenced the national cricket team’s lineup for its World Cup semifinal to ensure a white player was dropped and a black player picked in his place.
Minister Fikile Mbalula, who is black, made the denial in a statement, saying he was responding to accusations made by “a dying breed of political dinosaurs.” He didn’t identify the source of the accusations.
Mbalula’s denial was backed up by Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat, who says Monday there was “absolutely no interference.”
The controversy revolves around the dropping of fast bowler Kyle Abbott for Vernon Philander.
South Africa’s rugby and cricket teams have long been under pressure to field more black players following the end of white rule under apartheid.
