CSA rejects ECB allegations over KP row
Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday dismissed "with contempt" allegations by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) CEO, David Collier, that South African players had instigated the text message row the led to Kevin Pietersen being dropped from the England team.
Collier on Sunday claimed that Pietersen was only replying to messages sent to him by members of the South African team which he felt were unnecessary.
"I certainly think they [South Africa] provoked the situation," Collier told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.
"I think there was a tactic which was used. I think that is sadly some of the ways of modern sport."
CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul reacted angrily to Collier's comments, saying that nothing was mentioned when he met with Collier during the Lord's test in August.
“This is absolute rubbish,” said Faul. "I would have thought as a matter of courtesy and decency he [Collier] would have spoken to me about it before going public in the Media.
“It is not the way CSA goes about its business and it is not the way the ECB have done business with us in the past either. It is very disappointing because in the past our relationships with the ECB have always been cordial and constructive."
Pietersen on Wednesday apologised for sending the messages and signed a new central contract with the ECB after the two sides agreed "a process for his re-integration into the England team".
