The crisis in South African cricket deepened yesterday as the sports minister laid into ex-captain Clive Rice and three other former players for criticising the United Cricket Board's intervention in team selection for the third Test at Sydney, which South Africa lost heavily. The minister's spokesman accused Rice of "profiting from apartheid" and told him to "pack his bags". Rice, who led South Africa back into international cricket in India in 1991-92, after captaining their team against rebel sides during the apartheid era, had gone on record earlier in the week, accusing politicians of "crucifying" upcoming players to secure votes. "I am not saying that players should revolt," said Rice, "but we are setting up for just that … Players should be selected on ability alone."

Yesterday Graham Abrahams, a spokesman for sports minister Ngconde Balfour, issued a withering riposte to Rice.

"You were silent during the worst years of apartheid cricket," Abrahams was quoted as saying in the London Sunday Telegraph, "and the only conclusion that millions of South Africans can make is that your silence was the result of your gain from apartheid.

"Either you become part of the solution, or you remain part of the problem. It is clear what you have chosen. Why not pack your bags and go back to earning pounds [as director of cricket at Nottinghamshire] while committed South Africans continue building this country that was destroyed directly, and indirectly, by individuals of your ilk."

The ferocity of the attack left no-one in any doubt as to the extent of the divisions in South African cricket, where disillusionment is still simmering in the aftermath of the Hansie Cronje affair.

Criticism was also reserved for former players Fanie de Villiers, Pat Symcox and Ray Jennings, who were accused by Sonn of speaking out before they think. He added that they lacked perspective, and that they did not have the interests of the game at heart.

Symcox declared himself disappointed with the remarks, while De Villiers suggested that Sonn should get his facts straight before making such pronouncements. "I was never against the selection of Justin Ontong," he said, "rather the way it happened."

Sonn had invoked his power of veto over South Africa's chosen XI to face Australia at Sydney, insisting that the Cape coloured batsman Justin Ontong be selected ahead of his white counterpart and room-mate Jacques Rudolph.

The decision provoked outrage, and Sonn has promised that disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible for the media leak. He did not go so far as to name Graeme Pollock, a member of South Africa's selection panel and the uncle of current captain Shaun, but stated that there was a common source.

"All our officials, on their election, sign confidentiality contracts," said Sonn in the SA Sunday Times. "Those who breach them shall be dealt with by the council."

Sonn was also critical of South Africa's coach, Graham Ford, who had taken the side to seven series wins and a draw prior to meeting Australia.

"If a coach doesn't see to it that his people perform up to standard, there should be an inquiry about that. If that coach is no longer good for the team then obviously he has breached his contract ... our contracts are performance contracts."

The final word, though, should be reserved for the two men at the eye of the storm. Rudolph and Ontong are good friends, and as room-mates during the recent tour, it was Rudolph who was the first to congratulate Ontong on his selection. "There is no issue between us," said Rudolph. "There is just a system in place that we have to accept."

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