The United Cricket Board of South Africa said Nicky Boje had to miss out on the India tour as Delhi Police failed to give the guarantee that the player would not be detained in connection with the match fixing scandal.
UCB's Chief Executive Officer Gerald Majola also said that Herschelle Gibbs, the other player under the match-fixing cloud, "would never tour" India again.
He said both Boje and Gibbs, the two players the Delhi Police wants to talk to, had always co-operated with the Indian cops.
"Unfortunately we did not get the guarantee that Boje will not be detained. That's why he decided not to tour," Majola told reporters in Kanpur.
"Boje and Gibbs have always co-operated with the Delhi Police. We had been in touch with them for 4-6 months trying to make sure that they can travel to India.
"They had sent a questionnaire and Boje had answered all the questions. Herschelle had not done so because he had got legal advice not to do so," he said.
Majola said Gibbs opted out once UCB gave him the option to skip the tour. "Gibbs will never tour India," he said.
Asked whether Boje will travel to play in the ICC Champions Trophy slated to be hosted by India in 2006, Majola said "only if we get the guarantee.
"We will try to send a full strength team to tour India for the Champions Trophy. We are still continuing to pursue with Delhi Police regarding Boje," he said.
Asked whether law enforcing agencies would give such a guarantee, Majola said "I'm not finding fault with the legal system. I'm also not saying it's incorrect but if there is no guarantee, Nicky will not tour next time."
The UCB CEO also defended the decision to field a new look team for the series.
"This is the best team as the players have been selected on current form. As far as we are concerned this is the best possible team. Wicketkeeper (Mark) Boucher was dropped on form."
On the evolving reservation policy to accommodate more coloured players in the national team, Majola said it was a gradual process.
"The UCB have never mentioned any specific number for selecting non-white players. Right now we are in a transition phase and it is not easy to do it overnight as it is a long term process. But we understand the need to transform.
"We have certain targets to achieve. We have in place a domestic cricket where 50 per cent of the players are black.
"They are currently the guys in form but at the same time no white player is ignored," he said.
Majola said the UCB would now be able to provide the same kind of opportunity for every one to come up.
"Previously some players didn't have access (to good facilities) but now we are making sure every body gets the same facilities," he said.
On new coach Ray Jennings, Majola said his performance will be assessed after South Africa's tour of West Indies.
"It is still too early. It is a six months' contract and we will assess him when he comes back from West Indies and then decide whether to extend his term or advertise internationally. We will be monitoring his performance closely," he said.
On the proposed changes by ICC on the issue of illegal bowling action he said "we have still not seen the ICC report in black and white. So upto now we have not taken a stand."
The South African cricket chief was also pleased with the facilties offered to the visitors.
"The facilities in Jaipur and Kanpur were good and the passion for cricket in India is amazing. I still wonder why India is not the best team as they have all the ingredients to come on top."
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