Johannesburg: Castle may be ‘satisfying South Africa’s thirst’ and pouring in millions of rands into the country’s cricket, but it has upset greats like Barry Richards.

The sponsors of the South African Test squad and Test cricket in the country held a dinner on Thursday, but only invited those who’d played after “unification” — in other words, 1991 onwards.

“I’m happy for the present lot, but it’s disappointing that the contribution of those who served till 1969-70 isn’t getting recognised and last night’s function is an example. It’s as if we never existed,” Barry told The Telegraph.

The 61-year-old added: “It’s not just that I wasn’t invited... What about a legend like Graeme Pollock? How can he not be called to a dinner for cricketers who’ve played Tests for South Africa? Each one of us has made a contribution, only that we played in a different era...”

Barry, indeed, may have gone on to break the records which got erased by the Sunil Gavaskars. He played four Tests against Australia, in what became South Africa’s last series in the Apartheid era. However, that was enough to make a mark: 508 runs at an average of 72-plus.

Significantly, Sir Don Bradman chose Barry as one of his openers (the other being Arthur Morris) in the team of his choice. It was revealed some months after his death in February 2001.

Being the hosts, Castle had every right to invite who they wished, but some are wondering why Cricket South Africa didn’t speak up for those who played till 1969-70. “Perhaps, there’s a lack of cricket culture,” is how somebody, who requested anonymity, put it.

Whatever, one assumes Shaun Pollock’s uncle must be as upset as Barry.