Norman Arendse, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) president, and Gerald Majola, the CEO, have apologised for the way the row over selection for the Bangladesh tour was handled. There was a very public argument between Arendse and coach Mickey Arthur over the quota policy and both sides issued counter complaints about their treatment.

The squad - including four coloured players instead of the stipulated seven - was eventually named earlier this week and has now arrived in Bangladesh for the tour but the fallout to recent events is still hanging over the trip. Arendse has reinforced CSA's commitment to fielding a team that reflects South African society, but admits this latest controversy hasn't done the game any favours.

"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," Arendse and 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.

"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."