/ 16 March 2003

Pollock gets the sack

Shaun Pollock has been ”relieved” of the captaincy of the South Africa cricket team, the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) announced on Saturday.

On the recommendation of the national selectors and with input from the National Cricket Committee, the General Council of the UCB decided to remove Shaun Pollock with immediate effect.

The replacement captain will be named on Sunday.

The issue of the vice-captaincy of the national team will be addressed by the National Cricket Committee on March 27 and by the General Council on March 29.

”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,” said UCB CEO Gerald Majola.

Saturday’s announcement came after convenor of selectors Omar Henry dismissed rumours on Friday evening that Pollock had tendered his resignation.

Pollock has been under enormous pressure to quit after South Africa was dumped from the World Cup after the first round. Following South Africa’s elimination, however, Pollock stated categorically that he would not step down.

Pollock’s sacking after three years as South Africa’s cricket captain followed the resignation of national selector Pat Symcox, who stepped down from the panel on Saturday. – Sapa