It follows criticism of the national selectors by Sports Minister Steve Tshwete, who wants to see more black players in the national side.

He was quoted in newspapers on Sunday as saying: "I am worried we will be sending white teams to the rugby and cricket World Cups this year. If that is the case, it will be difficult for me to support them."

The new 'transformation charter' contains a ten-point plan to broaden the appeal of the game.

Steve Tshwete: Unhappy with national selectors

But UCB president Ray White was forced to apologise for an off the cuff remark made during a televised broadcast to announce the board's plans.

He said: "To those seeking to interfere with our team, we don't want it and we don't need it."

White subsequently issued a statement, which read: "I wish to apologise to the cricket community of South Africa for allowing my personal remarks to be associated with the important pledge to the nation in respect of the transformation charter that has been developed by so many people over such a long period of time.

"I would like to emphasise that neither I nor the UCB wish to confront the government or any other sporting organisation but rather believe that the problems facing us are best solved by consultation and communication."

The South African side for the fourth Test against the West Indies, currently being played in Cape Town, contains coloured players Herschelle Gibbs and Paul Adams.

But fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, the first Test cricketer to emerge from the South African townships, has not been picked so far in the series.

The charter does not specify any policy for the selection of future Test teams, but the board has previously announced that it is no longer appropriate for all-white sides to be chosen.

Makhaya Ntini: toured England last summer

UCB chief Dr Ali Bacher, the man who negotiated South Africa's return to the international scene, has admitted: "Unity in cricket has been creaking a bit."

But he said that it would be an insult to fans if racial politics, not cricket ability, decided the make-up of the team.

"It would also devalue the very special privilege of representing your country at the highest level," he added.