CSA chief hits back at SMS claims

Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat has hit back at a South African media report that claims he influenced the selection of the Proteas side for their World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.

Netwerk24 reported that Lorgat sent Proteas coach Russell Domingo a text message at 1am on the morning of the match, telling him to choose between picking Farhaan Behardien over Rilee Rossouw, or Vernon Philander over Kyle Abbott.

The report alleged Lorgat wanted the Proteas to select more than three 'players of colour', a term which encompasses black Africans, mixed-race people and those of Asian descent.

In a statement released on Wednesday morning (AEDT time), Lorgat unequivocally denied the report.

"This is utter nonsense reporting with false allegations being made," Lorgat said.

"There was no SMS, WhatsApp or BBM sent by me to the coach, and why would I want to do that when I know the team was confirmed and already announced to the players and team management at their usual 18h00 team meeting that evening.

"Our media policy is not to respond to speculative or false media reports where unnamed sources are quoted, but in this case, due to the damage being caused to the reputation of the Proteas, CSA and individual players soon after a painful exit from the World Cup, I feel it necessary to speak out and make it clear that this report is false,” added Lorgat.

"I would also like to place on record, that at no time did I ever speak to any journalist from the Beeld/ Burger/Netwerk 24, yet I’m quoted in this article.

"It is very sad to read such poor and false reports which I believe is no more than an attempt to discredit the Proteas and CSA.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all South African fans for their fantastic support of our much loved Proteas team and assure fans that we will do our best to build winning teams."

Earlier this week, Lorgat denied a separate report in The Sunday Times that claimed the selection of Philander over Abbott was racially motivated.

Quick Single: CSA deny Sunday Times report

Philander was called into the South African XI in place of Abbott for the match against the Black Caps, which the Proteas lost by four wickets. 

The right-armer had missed four of South Africa's seven World Cup matches before the semi-final after he picked up a hamstring niggle during the pool stages.

He took 0-52 from eight overs at Eden Park and left the field during the run chase due to injury.

Domingo had defended the selection of Philander, saying the fast-bowler was fully fit and was selected due to his ability to swing the ball in New Zealand conditions.