There have been many cases in world cricket where there have been conflicts between players and the board. News of politics and preference for more influential players is always a major reason behind the conflicts. While, many stories as such come from the Pakistan Cricket Board, but former South African captain Dean Elgar has revealed the toxic and poor administrative environment of Cricket South Africa. Elgar while speaking to Rapport newspaper, stated that he believes that he 'was thrown into a cauldron' after being removed as the Test captain by CSA last year. Elgar retired from Test cricket at the beginning of this year and played his last Test against India at the Sahara Park Newlands. Virat Kohli Pays Tribute to Dean Elgar, Hugs Him After His Dismissal in Final International Appearance During IND vs SA 2nd Test 2023–24; Video Goes Viral

The 36-year-old left-handed South African opener is currently playing County Cricket for Essex. Further speaking in the interview, Elgar revealed the unhealthy culture in Cricket South Africa after he was appointed as the captain of the Test side in March 2021. The southpaw added that he became a part-time cricketer and full-time politician at one time. India Women Set To Host South Africa for Multi-Format Series in September and October

Dean Elgar said,  “I became a part-time cricketer and full-time politician, something that I never want to go through again. I am a sportsman, not a politician or a cricket administrator, but I was thrown into a cauldron in which I had to be all three. If I had known that before, I would never have accepted the captaincy.”

Such politics was faced by former South African captain Faf du Plessis, wherein firstly he was removed from the captaincy and later he was excluded from the team's squad despite performing so well in domestic cricket and league cricket. du Plessis still has the potential to play for the country in the T20I format and can lead the team as well. However, in an era of transition, Cricket South Africa probably has forgotten du Plessis.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 06, 2024 03:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).