South Africa head coach Mark Boucher charged with gross misconduct

The charge, which follows Cricket South Africa's Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) report, relates to allegations of discrimination and racism made by former teammate Paul Adams

South Africa head coach Mark Boucher has charged with gross misconduct following Cricket South Africa's Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) report in allegations of discrimination and racism.

The 45-year-old, who was appointed head coach in 2019, was one of several CSA employees implicated in an investigation last year and later admitted to, and apologised for, singing songs and using nicknames which caused offence.

Former teammate Paul Adams was one of the players who testified against Boucher.

He will now face a disciplinary hearing chaired by senior counsel advocate Terry Motau with the pair scheduled to meet on January 26 to determine a timetable for the proceedings.

^{Paul Adams (centre) was one of the players to testify against Boucher [Ross Setford/Getty Images]}

For the time being, he will remain head coach of the national side. However, according to ESPNcricinfo, CSA are in favour of dismissing Boucher from his position for bringing cricket in the country into disrepute.

In a statement, CSA said: "CSA confirms that a charge sheet, containing both the disciplinary charges against Mr Boucher, as well as his rights, was provided to him on 17 January. The upcoming inquiry will also consider concerns and allegations that arose following the resignation of former assistant coach, Enoch Nkwe.

"While Mr Boucher is being charged with gross misconduct, which could lead to his dismissal, CSA emphasises it is important that the independent inquiry first needs to test all allegations before any question of sanction can arise."

Boucher said: "I look forward to dealing with and defending these allegations which have been made and will do so at the hearing in due course. For now I am solely focused on my duties as head coach of the Proteas."

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