The upcoming disciplinary hearing of Mark Boucher has become the focal point of conversations. South African captain Dean Elgar thinks it’s unfair given that it is taking the spotlight away from the Proteas’ phenomenal successes recently.
Elgar has never shied away from speaking his mind and putting things as they are. He was engaged in a media interaction before South Africa’s departure for the tour of New Zealand, where three of the first five questions asked concerned the situation of Boucher. Incensed by the situation, Elgar chose to not mince words when he was asked another question on the same towards the end of the interaction.
“It takes away everything we achieved and for me that’s bulls**t. I know it’s extremely relevant in the public eye and it is relevant for us, no doubt, but as a players’ group, we’ve achieved so much and that gets squashed by negativity in the media. Rightly so, it sells headlines.”
he was quoted as saying by Crictaker.
Although Elgar didn’t shy away from the responsibility he has to face and answer these tough questions as captain, he did make it a point to convey that it could’ve been done at a different time as the focus should be on the upcoming Test series against England.
“I know I have to answer these things and that’s okay. I have got absolutely no issue with doing that because I understand interaction between me and the media is extremely important. But this is a presser about going to New Zealand and if you want to talk about the hearing, we can make another time for that.”
“I don’t mind speaking about these kinds of externals. Just understand, this is a presser about us leaving tonight to New Zealand to play a Test series and 60% of the questions haven’t been about that so you can understand my frustration.
I want to get the right message out there and the questions that are received have got nothing to do with cricket.”
Elgar has already offered his backing to Boucher, who has come under fire for gross allegations of racial misconduct. Cricket South Africa is seeking his dismissal, and the hearing is scheduled between May 16 and 20.
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It is still unclear which players are likely to testify during the hearing but the players are ready to play any role in the disciplinary process. Elgar also expects the South African Cricketers’ Association to advise the players, if required, ahead of any testimony.
