Pollock fired as South Africa cricket captain

DURBAN: Shaun Pollock was “relieved” of the South African captaincy but would continue with the national team, the United Cricket Board of South Africa revealed yesterday in a statement.

An announcement was expected today on his replacement, and speculation was that either Neil McKenzie or 22-year-old opener Graeme Smith would be promoted to the position. It was apparent from the statement that current vice captain Mark Boucher was unlikely to be elevated to the top job, as the issue of the vice captaincy would be addressed by the UCB’s national cricket committee on March 27.

Gerald Majola, chief executive of the UCB, said: “Shaun is a very valuable member of the national squad and is one of the world’s best all-rounders. He will continue to play a vital role in the team.” Pollock’s tenure came under renewed pressure after a dismal World Cup campaign by the host nation. Pollock’s lineup had been favoured to win the title ahead of the tournament that South Africa are hosting along with Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Reports began emerging that he was ready to quit or be fired following a meeting with national selectors on Friday. Earlier in the day, chief selector Omar Henry denied reports that Pollock had already resigned. The denial didn’t wash with most media outlets, with television and radio reports speculating on Pollock’s position for the upcoming tours to Sharjah and Bangladesh. Veteran paceman Allan Donald and Jonty Rhodes, the world’s leading fielder, have already retired, while allrounder Lance Klusener and Nicky Boje were on the selectors’ “hit list,” the source said. Pollock was unavailable for comment.