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The quota system was introduced as part of South Africa's re-admission into international cricket after the abolition of aprtheid, but came in for criticism from several senior cricket figures, particularly during the winter series against Australia.

Under pressure the United Cricket Board's (UCB) decided on Sunday to scrap its racial quota system for provincial and national teams involving a mandatory four black players.

But in a dramatic U-turn South Africa have announced a commitment to a minimum of five black players in their squad for the World Cup.

Should the system be scrapped?

The quotas should go, cricketers themselves want to be chosen on merit rather than because they belong to a certain colour group. Having quotas does nothing but highlight racial differences rather than just saying that they are all South Africans, whatever their colour.
Renee Porter, UK

I think the most important aspect of the UCB's statement is the one about faith, hence the reaction from bodies like the ANC youth league. While the board's decision has been welcomed by many who in any way have been calling for the scrapping of the quota system, the reality is that like in rugby, transformation has been held back where it should have been fast-tracked most, at provincial level.

Unless there is really a show of commitment and faith by the majority of our provinces I see no reason why we should not scrap the system. Interesting to note that even the people who made such a lot of noise about Justice Ontong's inclusion in the squad last year are now the first to remind us that players like him and Ashwell Prince do not want to be seen as {quota players}.

The reality with transformation in cricket and rugby in South Africa is that where there are big problems the national associations are reluctant to act; otherwise we would not be talking about quotas 10 years after the unification of sport in South Africa.

In all, I believe the announcement, although in good faith, was a bit premature and I am of the opinion that a task team, including provincial representatives should monitor the continued transformation of cricket at lower levels, say for the next year or so and after the team has satisfied itself that there is real commitment and there are results to show for it, then all the hue and cry should die down, forever.
Brian Msebe, South Africa

Why fight for years to replace a system that discriminated on the basis of colour with another system that does exactly the same thing. Politics and sport don't mix - select the best players regardless of colour.
Jonathan Evans, UK

The quota system in South Africa is specific to the unique nature of the legacy of Apartheid. Therefore a unique perspective is needed to address the underlying problems that were generated in sport in the country.

Shaun Pollock was recently asked about his attitude toward the quota system and he gave a very considered and balanced response. He said that we are a special case and the quota system was introduced to deal with this. He seemed comfortable with the decision and obviously understands the long term benefits of the system.

As cricket lovers we should be aware that short term policies do not ensure the growth and survival of the sport worldwide. Long term policies are required even if they introduce a certain amount of short term problems. I support the quota system as it will assist in the long term development of the game across South Africa.
Justin Forrest, UK

The reversal of the decision to scrape quotas shows the internal politics within South African cricket and as a country trying to move forward. There are bigger issues around how talent is spotted and nurtured. However the best players can only shine if they are given a chance to.

Rather than using the quota system carte blanche a structured approach to identifying talent must be put into place. This can only be done at grass roots level by having facilities that are available to every one and not just the privileged. By setting up more schemes in under funded schools and townships I'm sure that the next generation of South African cricketers whether coloured or white will have proven their right to be in the 1XI as the best players in the country.
Bobby, UK

As a cricket lover, I want to see the highest possible standard of cricket. Every country should select its best 11 players whether they be black, white, blue or green! Selecting player's by colour is nothing short of complete and utter racism! The game of cricket should not be subject to political statements.
N Evans, Australia

I would have preferred a situation where the quota system would be phased off over the next five years, say, by gradually reducing the number of non-whites. I am not so sure if the system has achieved its objectives of bringing the game to the masses.

Of course the quota system was eventually going to be scrapped, but for those who come from SA (or Zimbabwe in my case) sport is part of integrating our society and not all about winning. This integration is going on everyday in all parts of our lives, not just sports.
Simbarashe, Zimbabwe

SA should adopt the English quota system! You must have in your side: 1) one old age pensioner - (Alec Stewart); 2) one pick a country any country' player and give him an English passport - (Hick/Caddick); 3) a Mandatory 'head the ball' that will do something stupid on tour (Phil Tufnill). At least one 'why exactly is he playing, batsman/bowler and finally one 'I'm a one day specialist - which means I can't play real cricket' (Knight).

Add half a dozen mediocre all rounders with dubious talent that you'll never hear of again. Swap them around every other match to bamboozle the public and hey presto a team that can neither win one days or Test matches!
Gary, Northern Ireland

It has taken courage from the administrators to make the decision. Hopefully there will be enough talented black players to make it through. The likes of Gibbs, Ntini and Ngam have never let South African cricket down before, so why should they start now?
Chris, South Africa

It is easy now to forget why quotas were deemed necessary. Eight years back there weren't any black players in the national squad, and it was only when it became mandatory to introduce black cricketers that they became recognised at national level.

When black children at state schools are encouraged to play cricket, we will begin to see a natural change in the national squad. I can see fewer black players at provincial level from now on. This is a step backwards.
Eliza, South Africa

Sense has finally come to the fore. My personal belief is that players like Ntini, Gibbs, Paul Adams and many others deserve to be in the squad on merit alone. To call them 'quota players' is an insult to their God-given talent and denies them the respect they deserve as world-class cricketers.

Let's hope the rugby board follow suit and deliver respect to the talented non-white players in that game...
Shane, UK

The UCB has definitely made the correct decision, and this can only be a step in the right direction prior to the World Cup. This allows the selection panel a greater choice of combinations in the South African Side - I'm all for it.
Bryan Wakefield, South Africa

If things are right at the grass-roots level and everyone is given an opportunity to play at an early age, then naturally a mixed-race team made up of the best players will follow. Well done in taking this step, and may it follow in rugby as well. Good Luck.
Duncan, UK

The South African Cricket Broad give got it right this time round. The quota system simply cannot exit in any sport, and I think they should also impose the same law on their provincial b sides as well.

If 11 white players are the best to play for the country, they must play, and the same goes for black players.
Toorban, France/India

One of the major factors in the scrapping of racial quotas in South African cricket this weekend was a result of the views of black players themselves.

Several were at the national conference that was held to set guidelines for the next five years in SA cricket. They said strongly that they resented being called "quota players" and believed their hard work, form and talent should be the criteria for selection.

They also said the quota system put extra burdens on them at the highest level of a sport that is not easy to play in normal conditions. It seems their view won the day.
Chris Day, South Africa

I think it is a bad decision. Playing more black players is the only way for South Africa to show it has moved away from its apartheid past.

While results have initially taken South Africa a step back in terms of their success, they will surely be at the forefront of international cricket once the black players have got the experience.
Jeremy Banderas, Zimbabwe

If you want equality then you need to get rid of quotas. It's the same anywhere - equality does not exist with quotas. Being picked on merit is the best way forward.
Rich, UK

Thank goodness that someone has realised quotas do little more make more racial problems by actually recognising a 'difference' between people of different colours. I'm glad the quotas are gone so that SA cricketers will be picked on their skill not their colour.
Gwen Dobson, UK

The interesting thing is not so much the removal of the quota system for a minimum number of black players, but that it ever caused a furore to begin with. South African cricket has always had a quota system - for many years, there was a quota system requiring a minimum of 12 white players in the side.
Angus, Australia

I think it is about time it went back to merit. International cricket needs to be of the highest quality, especially with the amount of money that is involved in the game. Sponsors have to get returns, otherwise they will move on to another sport.
David Marais, United Kingdom

The UCB are correct. Only by selecting the best XI - irrespective of colour - will South African society demonstrate that it has overcome the evil of apartheid.
Mac, England

The UCB have done the correct thing. If you are good enough, then you play, if you are not, then you shouldn't. South African sport has taken a knock in the past couple years due to this, and now hopefully we can put out our strongest team, whatever its ethnic mix, to go on to win the World Cup.
Gary, London, England

Yes, it's the right decision. A team at any level should be based on the best players available, not on what colour you are.
Baz, UK