Former South Africa wicketkeeper and current head coach Mark Boucher has apologized for being part of a group that sang aggressive songs and used nicknames for colorful teammates during their playing days. After being accused of racism by some of his peers, including Paul Adams, Boucher submitted a 14-page affidavit Cricket South Africa’s Committee on Social Justice and Nation-building (SJN) reported ESPNcricinfo.
Adams claimed in his testimony to SJN that Boucher was among the accomplices who made racial remarks at him in a song. Boucher said he did not give Adams any surname.
In response to the allegations, Boucher said that he and his teammates should have been more sensitive.
“I apologize unconditionally for any offensive conduct, real or alleged, that has been attributed to me,” Boucher wrote in his affidavit.
“We, the team, the coaching staff, the selectors and the CSA, during the period under consideration, should have been more responsive and created an environment where all team members could raise these issues and discuss them without permission, Because they clearly pass.”
“…with the benefit of vision and maturity, appreciate that I said or did something as a young person that offended some of my peers. For this I sincerely and unconditionally apologize. “
He also said that he is “deeply sorry and sorry for the role he played in singing offensive songs or using offensive nicknames with his teammates”.
Boucher played 147 Tests and 295 ODIs for South Africa.
Earlier, former batsman Ashwell Prince, who scored 3,665 runs in 66 Tests at an average of 41.64, claimed that he was labeled a “quota player” and did not feel welcome in the national team.
“You think you’re playing for your country, that you’re living a dream, but it was not a dream,” said Prince, who now coaches the Cape Cobras franchise.
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