Bacher says CSA boss Haroon Lorgat needs to explain 'serious' allegations against him

Former South African captain Ali Bacher has said that Cricket South Africa chief executive officer Haroon Lorgat needs to explain the allegations against him as they are of a serious nature.

Bacher spoke on Thursday after adventurer Mike Horn reportedly confirmed that there was political interference in the South African camp before their Cricket World Cup semifinal against New Zealand last month.

Reports in the media had recently indicated that Lorgat had told Domingo via SMS to pick an extra player of colour in the team before the semifinal in Auckland. However, CSA and Lorgat strongly denied the reports.

But Horn, who helped South Africa at the recent World Cup, has since confirmed that there was indeed political interference, Sport24 reported.

Horn confirmed that the initial plan was for the same team that crushed Sri Lanka in the quarterfinals to play against New Zealand in the semifinals. He revealed that the players were clearly unhappy about what transpired and that he was tasked with re-motivating them for the semifinals.

Bacher said that the allegations against Lorgat have become serious and he needs to give answers. He said that in his view, if a quota system exists in the national team, then it must be made official policy, adding that there would be people not in favour of it, but they would accept it. He also said that people need to know where they stand.