CSA wants the Proteas XI for the 2027 ODI World Cup co-hosted by South Africa to include at least two black African batsmen.

CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki told City Press newspaper that this target was part of a “transformation master plan” that involves giving black African batsmen special coaching and mentoring to help them transition seamlessly from domestic to international cricket.

Moseki said CSA had already allocated between R4-million and R5-million for this development programme and selected 45 players – 15 each in the under-19, under-23 and over-23 age groups.

Since 2016, South Africa’s franchise/provincial teams have been required to include at least six players of colour in every starting XI, including three black African players.

“[However] these black African batting talent at franchise teams somehow do not transition to the Proteas level,” Moseki told City Press.

“But these players are there. They are scoring runs, but maybe they are not scoring enough runs to be unavoidable for Proteas selection.”

CSA is reportedly embarrassed by the “lack of diversity” in the Proteas squad for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA – which features nine white players and six players of colour, including one black African (fast bowler Kagiso Rabada) – and hopes to avoid a repeat situation in three years’ time.

“As the barometer of success, CSA wants to see at least two black African players batting in the top six at the 2027 ODI World Cup,” Moseki added.

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