South Africa could lose two of its premier fast bowlers, Charl Langeveldt and Andre Nel, because of political interference in selection, believes the South African Cricketers' Association (Saca).

This follows the axing of Nel after pressure by Norman Arendse, president of Cricket South Africa, to include more non-white players in the Squad to tour India from next week.

"Charl Langeveldt's request to be removed from the squad to tour India is the desperate unhappiness of a player who knows that he has been selected for this tour for quota reasons," said Tony Irish, chief executive officer of SACA.

"Charl spoke to both Gerald Majola (CSA CEO) and myself on Tuesday to say he was so upset he did not feel he could give his best for South Africa on the tour under these circumstances".

"As players we all have a good idea of when we are clearly in the running for selection and when we aren't," said Langeveldt.

"You just have to look at Andre's Test record compared to mine and the fact he has been part of all the Test match plans, while I haven't played a Test match for two years.

"I have always fought for a place in the team but I don't want to be put there because of my colour. Up to now I have been very happy in my role in the ODI team and I know my value there. I'm quite upset by this now and I'm going to need a bit of time to consider my future."

Nel's future uncertain

The future of Andre Nel is also uncertain. "I'm as upset for Langes as I am for myself," said Nel.

"We are good team-mates and I have a lot of respect for him. We are both passionate about playing for South Africa and neither of us deserves to feel like this. It is hard to just shrug it all off."

"Any form of veto, interference or involvement in the selection of the Proteas by anyone who is not a selector should be abolished," said Irish.

"The Players' Association recently made that recommendation to Cricket South Africa's Transformation Review Committee relating to selection of the Proteas team.

The players believe in the goals of transformation but all of them, black and white, are adamant that this should not be achieved by interfering in the selection of the national team.

"South Africa could be in the process of losing two of its best cricketers," said Irish. "Surely it's time to realise that the selectors must be allowed to get on with selection of the team."

Neither Charl nor Andre will be available for further comment at this time and they both have requested an opportunity to consider their respective futures.

Sapa

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