Johannesburg, Feb 15 (UNI) Cricket South Africa (CSA) has apologised for the racial row which erupted during the selection of the team for the tour of Bangladesh.

''Cricket South Africa, the custodians of the sport in the country, must take full responsibility for not handling the issue in a manner that preserves the integrity and reputation of the sport,'' CSA President Arendse and CEO Majola said in a joint statement.

''In this regard, the president and the CEO of CSA wish to express their deep and sincere regret at the manner in which the issue leading up to the selection of the team to tour Bangladesh, has been handled,'' they added.

''In fact, an apology to the entire nation is warranted.

Accordingly, we issue our sincerest apology to the entire nation and all its peoples for the manner in which the matter had been handled.

We accept responsibility for what happened, and wish to commit ourselves to ensuring that it will never happen again.

''In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to the transformation policies of CSA which is aimed at ensuring that the imbalances of the past are redressed as soon as possible,'' they said.

Arendse had a public spat with coach Mickey Arthur over the quota policy and both sides issued counter complaints about their treatment.

The squad, which included four coloured players instead of the stipulated seven, was eventually named earlier this week and has reached Bangladesh.

Arendse has reinforced CSA's commitment to fielding a team that reflects South African society, but has admitted the latest controversy has not done the game any favours.

UNI XC AB RKM RN2013