Former Proteas wicket-keeper Mark Boucher says Cricket South Africa may need to re-think the eligibility of Kolpak players for the Proteas following the recent retirements of Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn.

Amla recently retired from all forms of international cricket, while Steyn has given up Test cricket to try and prolong his white ball career following a spate of injuries over the last few years.

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The Proteas will head to India later this year for a three-Test series and T20 matches without Steyn and Amla. Many youngsters will get a chance to step into their shoes, but the tour will definitely be a baptism of fire.

Many experienced cricketers plying their trade in England, who have signed Kolpak contracts, aren’t eligible to play for South Africa. These players have left South Africa to earn a better living, instead of trying to fight for a place in the South African team and representing the Proteas.

Boucher, however, says Kolpak players shouldn’t be punished for trying to earn a better living.

The record-breaking wicket-keeper says CSA should look at how SA Rugby have integrated the overseas-based players into the Springbok team over the last few months.

A few years back only Springbok players plying their trade in South Africa were allowed to play rugby for the national team, but they have recently relaxed that rule ahead of next month’s World Cup in Japan.

‘The guys who are playing overseas are playing a good standard of rugby and the players are getting better,’ Boucher told SA Cricket Mag.

‘Those players can comeback and play for South Africa at the World Cup. The bottom line is, you have got to have your best players playing in the World Cup.

‘You look at the scenario we had at the Cricket World Cup, Dale Steyn gets injured … you have a guy like Morne Morkel there who has played quite a few games for South Africa who you can use.

‘The players signed Kolpak, because it’s a professional sport and they are getting good money for it. Unfortunately they are getting punished for it.”

‘Brexit might solve that issue, and when it does happen you will have stronger pool of players to select from.’

Despite this, Boucher believes that there are still many good players plying their trade in South Africa, but they need the right guidance to become top professionals.

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Boucher says the rookies in the Test side will have be tested in Indian conditions over the next couple of months.

‘We have got some good players with a lot of talent,’ Boucher said.

‘With Steyn and Amla leaving, it does give opportunities for youngsters to come through. I think they need to be guided properly to become world-class players.

‘We all know India is a tough place to tour. Them going over there … it’s going to be a big Test for players who haven’t actually played in India before.

‘It’s going to be difficult for them. I’ll support them 100 percent and I hope they do well.”