DURBAN, March 15: Shaun Pollock was sacked as South Africa captain on Saturday after the host nation’s disappointing performance in the World Cup.

Pollock, 29, was dismissed from the job after meeting selectors on Friday. South Africa failed to reach the second round of the tournament.

A statement from the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) said it had been decided to strip Pollock of the captaincy with immediate effect.

“An announcement tomorrow will name a replacement captain,” the statement said.

“Sean is a valuable member of the national squad and one of the world’s best all-rounders,” said UCBSA chief executive Gerald Majola. “He will continue to play a vital role in the team.”

South Africa, one of the pre-tournament favourites, failed to qualify for the Super Six after losing the tournament’s opening match to West Indies and a rain-shortened game against New Zealand.

Pollock took over the captaincy in 2000 after former skipper Hansie Cronje was banned for life after admitting taking money from bookmakers.—Reuters