With the constant banning of Springbok rugby players, and now the ICC's snubbing of the Proteas, iafrica.com's Rob Peters is feeling decidedly unloved as a South African?

What is it about South African sports teams that make them so disliked? Because that is the only reason I can think of for the recent events in rugby and cricket. The bans being handed down to the Springboks smacks of a desire to hamstring the team, while the ICC's recent player nominations are downright hurtful.

Seriously, we are the number one ranked team in rugby, Test cricket and one-day internationals, yet we still seem to be getting the short end of the stick.

The Boks have had to deal with a constant barrage of criticism for their style of play ? despite only losing two games this season ? and on top of it have faced an assortment of harsh suspensions and fines, while their opponents have walked away for similar or more serious infringements.

The Proteas have not received the same sort of criticism (although it would be close to impossible when you consider their form) but the ICC's decision to ignore them for their annual awards is ridiculous.

Apart from being the number one team in all formats of the game we also boast the top ODI all-rounder (Jacques Kallis), the number one Test bowler (Dale Steyn) and in AB de Villiers we have one of the most consistent run-scorers this season. Johan Botha, meanwhile, proved to be a revelation in the shorter format this year, yet all he got for his form was another trial over his bowling action.

Let us not forget the emergence of exciting talents like Roelof van der Merwe and Wayne Parnell ? with neither cracking the nod for the Emerging Player of the Year shortlist, of course.

It is quite bizarre ? as are some of the nominees?

Now, of course, there is nothing that can be done to change the nominations, but there is a standard response that can be given. The Boks, by winning every trophy available to them have already done it, while the Proteas still have a chance to do so.

Graeme Smith and his team have already won a series in England and Australia ? two hoodoos that were in desperate need of being broken, but there is one more thing that is hanging over their heads ? the ICC Champions Trophy.

If the Proteas can shake off the 'chokers' tag that is so frequently thrown their way by claiming the trophy then all thoughts of ICC Awards will evaporate as another SA team walks away with what really matters in sport ? the silverware!