CSA Rejects Baartman Claim Over World Cup Omission
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has dismissed claims by fast bowler Ottneil Baartman that he was not informed about his omission from the Proteas squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Convenor of Selectors Patrick Moroney insisting the player was contacted and briefed on his status.
Baartman, who represents Paarl Royals in the SA20, told reporters during the recently concluded tournament that he had received no communication before or after the World Cup squad was announced earlier this month. His remarks sparked widespread debate, with several former players questioning CSA’s decision, particularly in light of his strong performances in the shortest format.
Former Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn was among those who publicly expressed confusion over Baartman’s exclusion, pointing to his consistency and impact in T20 cricket. Baartman finished as the leading wicket-taker in SA20 season four, claiming the purple cap for the second time.
Responding to the controversy, Moroney told SportsBoom.co.za that Baartman had been clearly informed of his position in the national team’s plans.
“Ottneil, I have spoken to him. I did phone him and I did speak to him,” Moroney said. “So how and why he said that to the media, you may need to find out from him, not from me. But that he was spoken to is definitely a fact.”
Moroney explained that Baartman’s omission was based on balance and overlap within the squad.
“Unfortunately, in the make-up of a side, there is no space for Ngidi and Baartman. They bowl more or less the same pace and have similar variations,” he said.
He added that Baartman was informed on 1 January that he was on the standby list and would continue to be monitored.
“He was made very aware that he is part of the backup list and that, if the need arises, we will bring him in. This has been made very clear. Saying he was never spoken to, in my view, means he never had a phone call, and that is not true,” Moroney said.
CSA also addressed criticism surrounding the timing of the squad announcement, which came on 2 January, shortly after the start of the SA20. Some observers argued the tournament should have been used to assess form before finalising selections.
Moroney said the selectors were working to a strict deadline set by the International Cricket Council.
“We needed to submit the team to the ICC on the 1st of January, and the team we selected was not going to change,” he said. “There was no point in creating uncertainty throughout the SA20 if we already knew what the squad was going to be.”
He added that early clarity allowed selectors to monitor players’ physical condition, mental readiness and performances without reacting impulsively to individual displays during the tournament.
“The standby list was already in place before the SA20, and the players were aware of it. Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game and can change things, but the process was followed as planned,” Moroney said.
The issue has continued to attract attention as Baartman’s form in domestic T20 cricket remains strong, keeping him firmly in contention should changes to the squad become necessary.
Ccredit SportsBoom: link: https://www.sportsboom.co.za/cricket/exclusive-its-not-true-selector-patrick-moroney-responds-to-baartman-lack-of-communication-claims
