Transformation in cricket: the black African experience

Abstract

Background: The small number of black African (BA) cricket
players progressing through the talent development pathways
to the elite level has been a constant concern for Cricket South
Africa (CSA). Previous attempts to accelerate the development of
BA players have not produced the desired results. A description
of the barriers to development is imperative for appropriate
interventions.
Objectives: To understand the career progression of BA cricketers
in South Africa by investigating their and other key informants’
perceptions, and identifying factors that may influence progress
to the elite level.
Methods: A qualitative study consisting of 23 semi-structured
interviews with BA players who had succeeded at the senior level
(n = 11), and key informants (n = 12), was conducted. Content
analysis of the data identified 92 themes, which were then
aggregated into 12 categories.
Results: Five enablers (exposure to the game, education, facilities
and equipment, coaching and support networks), and five
barriers (team environment, quality opportunities to compete,
socio-economic factors, cricket player development pathways and
leadership) were identified. Two further factors (intrapersonal
attributes and targets) were identified, but the differing opinions
of the interviewees on the influence of these variables made it
difficult to classify them. Whilst all categories were perceived
to contribute in the progress of BA players to the elite level,
education, support networks, quality opportunities to compete,
team environment and socio-economic factors were believed to
be the most important.
Conclusion: The sustainable transformation of South African
cricket appears to be not only about ensuring demographically
representative teams, but also about addressing barriers affecting
progress that may be experienced by all players. This study
highlighted the key factors that are perceived to be specific to BA
cricketers.