South Africa's cricket board made the unusual move on Saturday of denying social media comments that captain Graeme Smith threatened to quit if black wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile was picked for the test series against India, according to reports.
According to News.com.au, Cricket South Africa said it would like to quash rumors and comments floating around that Smith had given selectors an ultimatum before the first Test.
CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat added that there was no truth at all to these malicious and damaging comments.
Tsolekile, who was not chosen to play in the first Test, has become relevant to South Africa's struggle to include more black players in national teams after he was overlooked on the tour to England last year when Mark Boucher was injured despite being the backup wicketkeeper, the report said.
A report on transformation in South African sport is due next month, with cricket and rugby both admitting there aren't enough black players at the top level, the report added.