By Fakir Hassen, IANS
Johannesburg : Veteran South African cricketer Daryll Cullinan has cried foul after being removed from his position as a commentator for the satellite television service SuperSport because of his involvement with the breakaway Indian Cricket League (ICL).
Cricket South Africa (CSA) withdrew Cullinan’s accreditation after he was appointed coach of ICL team Kolkota Tigers.
This resulted in Cullinan being unable to commentate on the two Tests so far in which home side South Africa have taken on West Indies, each winning one match.
Cullinan will also not work on the deciding Test in Durban this week.
“I am shocked and disappointed,” Cullinan was quoted as saying in the Afrikaans daily Beeld Monday.
“Why is Tony Greig allowed to commentate on Test cricket in Australia, but I am punished?”
Greig is a recruiting agent for the ICL rebel series, but is also part of the commentating team in the current series between India and Australia.
CSA head Norman Arendse said there was a feeling that it would be inappropriate to have someone commentating on official Test cricket while he was still involved with a rebel group.
Cullinan’s agreement with SuperSport made provision for him to be released from his commentator duties if there were any problems about his involvement with the ICL.
After CSA complained to SuperSport last week, the broadcaster implemented this, following discussions with Cullinan.
Besides Cullinan, six other South African cricketers who participated in the ICL recently have been declared persona non grata by CSA.