India afraid of playing longer series against South Africa: Fanie de Villiers

Fanie de Villiers believes South Africa are not benefiting from the truncated tour © Getty Images

Nov 1, 2013

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Former South African swing bowler, Fanie de Villiers has added more fuel to fire to the already controversy-ridden India’s tour of South Africa by saying that India is afraid of playing a longer series against South Africa.

“Indian cricket is scared of playing four Tests against us. You’ve used politics to shorten the tour. We’re the world No 1 team and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is aware of our prowess at home. It is using the Haroon Lorgat issue as an excuse. The truth is India are afraid that South Africa are going to beat them hands down.” de Villiers was quoted as saying by Mumbai Mirror.

Nowadays, a commentator, de Villiers says the shortened tour, decided by the two boards after prolonged discussions, leads to acting as a hurdle for development programmes in South Africa.

“South Africa is not benefiting from the truncated tour because we’ve embarked upon a development programme among the majority community of our country. We don’t have much money for it. Our government is not funding the programme. India are not aware that a lot of people will be losing their jobs. You guys have taken cricket away from thousands and thousands of black children who would have been encouraged to play cricket. That is the ripple effect of the shortened tour,” he opined.

He continued, “It is our country. And you are telling us not to pick the best man for the job. It does not matter that Haroon [Lorgat] had problems with the India when he was in the ICC. But he was the best man for us. How can you tell us who to select and who not to. It is ridiculous. In principle, India should not have interfered in the matter. Can anyone tell you who your daughter must marry to? In the long term, Haroon’s appointment could ruin our relations with the BCCI but in South Africa, he was the right choice.”

He though, agrees that Cricket South Africa (CSA) should have been careful while dealing with the sentiments of BCCI, he added “Your country is South Africa’s biggest account. Your sentiment regarding Haroon could have been accommodated. I come from a business world and I know the intricacies. You are a fool if you are appointing somebody who can jeopardise your biggest account. South Africa is wrong in appointing that person but then South African cricket management has been poor in the last 15 years anyway.”

He reckoned, “I know that is the way the big dogs and big rhinos conduct. You do listen to your biggest account that is India. I must salute you guys for the way you have marked the game in your country. You would be treated better if you have sympathy for smaller countries.”