South African cricketers body in ‘despair, disbelief’ at administrative chaos

• The South African Cricketers’ Association stated that they are in despair and disbelief over Cricket South Africa’s administrative state.
• The Members’ Council is refusing to acknowledge the interim board, which was unveiled by sports minister Nathi Mthethwa last month.
• SACA CEO Andrew Breetzke stated that CSA do not realise the “extent of the damage being done to cricket”.

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) on Friday stated that they are in “disbelief” after Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) Members’ Council decision to not appoint the interim board that was named by Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa.

Last month, Mthethwa announced a nine member interim board to help “restore the integrity and reputation of CSA”.

13 days later, CSA refused to acknowledge the interim board, which includes former CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat.

Mthethwa went on to say that he is “dismayed and deeply disappointed” at the tone of acting president Rihan Richards’ response.

SACA believes that this could result in the “ICC reviewing the status of CSA as an ICC Member Country” and this “would have a devastating impact upon cricket in South Africa”.

READ | CSA crisis latest: England tour to SA could be jeopardised if interim board not accepted, says Yacoob

“We are back to square one, and the glimmer of hope has now been replaced by further disappointment and confusion. At a time when our domestic cricketers are excelling, and we are about to welcome England to our shores, the governance structures of CSA are again in crisis,” said SACA CEO, Andrew Breetzke.

“We have addressed formal correspondence to the Members’ Council advising them of our dismay at their decision, and highlighting their disregard for the welfare of players in passing this decision.

“Self-interest and politics are continuing to triumph over the best interests of cricket, at a time when the game is crying out for stability and certainty. It would appear as if the Members’ Council do not realise the extent of the damage being done to cricket, and sadly we are reaching a point where that damage may be irreparable.

“We have been in this state of crisis for over 18 months, and the window of opportunity to change direction is closing fast,” concluded Breetzke.

– Compiled by Sport24 staff