Wasn't allowed to coach South Africa as they didn't want more white consultants: Jacques Kallis

South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, who is hailed as one of the greatest all-rounders to grace the gentleman’s game, revealed the reason behind his fall-out as Proteas batting consultant. Former Proteas great, who was appointed South Africa’s batting consultant for the 2019-20 season, recently joined the English team as the team’s batting consultant for their Test series in Sri Lanka.

Kallis reckoned that he was shown the door by Cricket South Africa (CSA) as the team’s batting consultant as they couldn’t take more white consultants. South Africa has a weird policy of transformation targets where the authorities have to rope in people belonging to all the specified races and castes even if a deserving candidate is left out.

Speaking about his omission from the South African side, Jacques Kallis reckoned in an online press conference, “I wasn’t allowed to be involved in the South African side because CSA said there would be no more white consultants. So, unfortunately [the position with South Africa] fell away and this opportunity of helping England out came about. I took it with both hands.”

“I haven’t been able to be involved with the South African guys over the last couple of months since I was involved with them during the England series [in South Africa in 2019/20]. There were a few (players who wanted me there) but unfortunately, there was a rule that was put in, and it was taken out of our hands,” he added.

Unfortunately, we’ve lost a few players for whatever reasons overseas: Jacques Kallis

Detailing his opinion on the transformation targets policy of South Africa, the veteran all-rounder stated due to this policy, many deserving candidates aren’t brought in the scheme of things and South Africa end up losing them to other countries like Gary Kirsten, who was India’s coach in 2011 when they lifted the World Cup.

“I suppose it’s the way of our country. A lot of players have had to fall away because of needing players of color involved. We all understand that’s the country that we live in. It is tough but we understand where it comes from. It is sad but it’s the time that we’re living in at the moment.

“Unfortunately we’ve lost a few players for whatever reasons overseas. There are many other coaches who have gone on to coach other teams. Gary Kirsten [who won the 2011 World Cup with India] is an example. There are lots of guys. It’s kind of the modern way of the world. It’s sad in a way that I can’t help out in South Africa, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time [with England],” Kallis concluded.