'Not my job to give the verdict' - Paul Adams to not testify at Mark Boucher's hearing over racism row

Former South African spinner Paul Adams has cleared that he will not testify at former teammate Mark Boucher’s disciplinary hearing, which will start on May 16 (Monday). The former Proteas spinner testified at Cricket South Africa (CSA) Social Justice and Nation-building (SJN) hearings in 2021, where he said that he was referred to as ‘Brown s**t‘ in a song sung during Proteas’ fines meetings.

Adams, the now 45-year-old, represented South Africa in 45 Tests and scalped 134 wickets. In the 50-over format, Adams played a total of 24 matches and got 29 wickets under his name. The former South African spinner who has not spoken publicly about his testimony, released a statement on Sunday.

The former South African spinner also cleared that it is not his job to give the verdict on his former teammate Mark Boucher and also added that he will not be testifying at Mark Boucher’s upcoming disciplinary hearing.

Wish the environment that existed when we played never repeats: Paul Adams

“There has recently been media attention about my presentation to the SJN last year. I am releasing this statement to set the record straight as I have not spoken about the matter to the public or media since,” Adams said.

“In my testimony, I said that during my time in the national team there was a culture within it that felt it was fine for a derogatory nickname was given to me to be sung during fines meetings in the change room by my fellow teammates. Not at any stage did I mention any player’s name who may have initiated the song.

“The only time I confirmed a name, was when the panel asked if I addressed Mark Boucher personally regarding the nickname and I replied that he was part of a broader group that sang the song and that I never addressed the matter within the team environment at the time. I was young and naive at the time, trying to fit in and represent my country as best I could. Not at any stage did I go in there with the intention to single Mark Boucher out as one can confirm by listening to my testimony from 39:20 to 46:30 on YouTube,” Adams added in his statement.

“It is not my job or desire to find Mark Boucher guilty or not guilty, and to be cross-examined and turned into the main focus of attention. Therefore, I will not be testifying at Mark Boucher’s upcoming disciplinary hearing. I spoke my truth and what happened to me as a young player, as per the process adopted by CSA on a serious issue in the game. The feelings articulated by myself and a dozen other senior players and coaches last year will hopefully help CSA find a new way in making cricket a winning and binding game for all.

“Again, my wish is that the same environment that existed when we played, must never repeat itself. If changes are made and situations such as these are learnt  from, then my purpose of telling my story at the SJN has been achieved,” he said further.

It may be noted that the former Proteas spinner is now coaching at a first-class level and performing his duties well. Adams also emphasized the fact that he got all the support from the local board and paid his gratitude to everyone who supported him during his lean patch.