Mark Boucher to continue as South Africa head coach after CSA withdraw racism charges

After allegations against him were dropped, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that Mark Boucher will remain as Proteas coach until the conclusion of his contract after the 2023 ICC World Cup. The charges were released after Paul Adams denied to testify against Boucher in the court.

Lawson Naidoo, the CSA board chairperson, also urged all the countrymen to support the national cricket team after the decision was taken by the board. Boucher was accused of three charges arising from his handling of race-related issues in the past, during his time as a national player, and at present as the team’s coach.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Mark into the future and we hope all South Africans can come together as one to get behind our team, which we know has the ability to reach the very pinnacle of achievement across all formats,” Naidoo was quoted by Times Live.

The CSA dropped its claims of discrimination, including racism, stating that there was no evidence to support them. The allegations stemmed from the SJN (Social Justice and Nation Building hearings) report, as well as the probe after Boucher’s former assistant coach Enoch Nkwe’s departure from the team, according to CSA.

A statement from Adams and Nkwe was the key component in the decision-making. But due to the duo’s absence, the verdict was given out in favor of Boucher.

Here’s what CSA’s statement explained:

• The charges against Boucher were unreservedly withdrawn, the effect of which is that Boucher has been cleared of the charges against him, including the charge of racism;
• CSA regrets that Boucher had the cloud of the charges hanging over his head but is pleased that the matter is now resolved;
• Boucher has the support of CSA and CSA is confident that the Proteas team will continue to make strides towards building a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity;
• Boucher has confirmed to CSA that he intends to fulfil the remainder of his contract, which ends after the 2023 World Cup; and
• CSA looks forward to Boucher guiding the Proteas team to their first World Test Championship final, in June 2023.

Boucher’s upcoming assignment with the team is the tour of India, where the teams will play a five-match T20I series.