Stay out of politics, minister tells SA skipper Smith

Sports minister Fikile Mbalula has warned national captain Graeme Smith not to take sides in a South African cricket power struggle ahead of a series-deciding ODI against India today

Stay out of politics, minister tells SA skipper Smith

Sports minister Fikile Mbalula has warned national captain Graeme Smith not to take sides in a South African cricket power struggle ahead of a series-deciding ODI against India today.

Opening batsman Smith backed Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Gerald Majola against president Mtutuzeli Nyoka in a clash linked to 2009 Indian Premier League (IPL) bonuses.u00a0 But recently appointed Mbalula told a South African commercial radio station that Smith must stay out of 'politics' and concentrate on cricket with the World Cup in India less than one month away.

In a statement issued by CSA, Smith said: "Majola has always backed the team to the hilt in every possible way, whether it be human resources, facilities or anything else.

"He must take his share of the credit for the successes we have enjoyed over the last period of time," added the skipper.

However, it is understood not all squad members supported the statement, believing it should not have taken sides between Majola and Nyoka. Nyoka favoured an independent inquiry into bonuses paid to Majola after South Africa hosted the 2009 IPL Twenty20 tournament.u00a0 But after former chief justice Pius Langa was appointed to lead the probe, CSA did a u-turn by opting for an internal investigation and Majola emerged largely unscathed.

Nyoka has alleged the CEO lied to him about the bonuses, Majola refuses to comment, and the 11 provincial cricket union presidents are expected to back a no-confidence motion against the president at an imminent meeting.

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