And herewith commences South Africa’s World Cup laundry cycle. Colours washed out together. Initiate spin cycle. Only Blacks hung out to dry.

Vernon Philander has been thrown into the deep end of a racial row after reports suggested that political meddling resulted in his selection over Kyle Abbott in South Africa’s World Cup semi-final. The powers that be have moved quickly to deny all such claims, but it has been a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the quota system at the highest level and brought back memories of when Charl Langeveldt refused to tour with the national team when he was selected in place of Andre Nel.

Times Media reported on Monday that interference from Cricket South Africa’s board vetoed both Russell Domingo and AB de Villiers in order to ensure four players of colour made the cut for their semi-final match.

The decision apparently upset De Villiers so much that he was reluctant to take any part in the semi-final. The furore has seen much of the blame of South Africa’s loss laid squarely at the feet of a player who was probably blissfully unaware that he was apparently being used as a pawn.

Philander, although passed fit at the start of the match, was clearly struggling during the game. He could not fulfil his overs and left the field halfway through South Africa’s bowling innings. Should he have put his hand up and declined to play? Maybe. Perhaps he did and was told that there was no other way. There was some logical merit to Philander’s selection in New Zealand conditions as, where there is more swing and seam on offer, Philander has been outstanding. Before a hamstring injury kept him out of action, Philander had been impressive. South Africa’s selection policy in the past has been that should any regular player get injured, his place is assured once he recovers from that injury.

In the World Cup, Abbot’s form had been outstanding, while South Africa’s ace Dale Steyn had struggled. If selection were entirely merit based, surely Steyn should have been dropped for the final with both Philander and Abbott playing? That the selectors have erred spectacularly throughout this tournament, there is no doubt. But if the reports are true, this has been one of the biggest mistakes they have ever made. Not only would such a selection undermine Philander’s credibility as a player, it is also damning to all the hard work that has been done to eradicate the thought process that some players are only picked because of the colour of their skin and the subsequent blame that players of colour often receive when they have a bad day at the office.

These reports are not without a hint of irony, though. These days, aggressive quotas at domestic level are tailored more towards black players, not coloured, as administrators continue to paper over the cracks of the complete and utter failure to develop talent at grassroots level. South Africa had just one black player in the squad, Aaron Phangiso, and he did not play a single match. Based on the government requirements for transformation, South Africa’s transformation output failed spectacularly and selecting players of colour would have had little impact.

At some stages during the World Cup, South Africa had just three players of colour in the squad, but that demographic reportedly concerned the powers that be so much that they felt they had to take action. It is also questionable whether Imran Tahir counts under the “quota” selection. As a naturalised South African, he was not produced by the system that is failing so many other cricketers.

CSA, and some of the coaching staff, as well as South Africa’s Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, have already denied that Philander’s inclusion was politically motivated, but with the distrust that surrounds politicians, sports administrators and politicians, those denials will most likely fall on deaf ears. Therefore, it is imperative that these reports follow an enquiry. If CSA have nothing to hide as they have said, then they will have no problem with undergoing due process. For the sake of the trust from the fans and transparency in selection, this is vital. DM

Main Pic: Vernon Philander (REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte)