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South Africa’s leading cricketers on Tuesday condemned what they described as “politics and self-interest” in the administration of the game.
In a strong statement, all of the nation’s nationally recruited players – 16 men and 14 women – said Cricket South Africa (CSA) had “jumped from one crisis to another.”
The statement was issued after CSA announced Monday that the organization’s annual general meeting, scheduled for Saturday, had been postponed following the recent resignation of President Chris Nenzani, the firing of Chief Executive Officer Thabang Moroe and the resignation of Chief Executive Officer. Acting Jacques Faul.
According to CSA, the delay was necessitated by a governance review, including studying a forensic report that led to Moroe’s dismissal and is understood to be critical of the CSA board.
The report is currently in a law firm and can only be viewed by members of the game’s latest policy body, the Members Council, if they sign a confidentiality agreement.
CSA also recognized that a process to nominate potential board members needed to be reopened.
In a further development Tuesday, Acting Chief Executive Officer Kugandrie Govender said CSA had committed during a meeting with Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa to hire only black consultants “to facilitate the transformation.”
This seemed to rule out the reinstatement of the great Test Jacques Kallis, who was a hitting consultant for the national team last season, and former Test player Paul Harris, who was a bowling consultant.
Mthethwa previously criticized the appointment of Kallis and Harris in addition to that of a white coach in Mark Boucher.
In their statement, the players, which include black stars like Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Temba Bavuma, expressed their pride in representing South Africa.
“We strive for excellence every time we enter the field. We play for all South Africans.“
But the players said they were worried about the future.
“At the board and operational level, Cricket South Africa has gone from one crisis to another over the past year.
“Topics such as suspensions, layoffs, resignations, forensic audits, confidential leaks, litigation and financial mismanagement have dominated cricket headlines.
“This is happening at a time when we are having challenging conversations about transformation and in an environment where the financial viability of the game is seriously threatened.. “
Cricketers asked administrators to strive to achieve the same high standards expected of players.
“To be successful as Proteas teams, we know that we must put aside personal differences and work together. We require the same of our administrators. Politics and self-interest seem to outweigh the imperatives of cricket and good governance.
“Decisions must be made that are in the benefit of cricket, otherwise the game we love may be irreparably damaged in this country.“
The 30 Proteas that issued the open letter to CSA:
Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, Anrich Nortje, Ayabonga Khaka, Beuran Hendricks, Chloe Tryon, Dané van Niekerk, David Miller, Dean Elgar, Dwaine Pretorius, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Laura Wolvaardt, Lizellei Lee, Lungi Nung Nung Marizanne Kapp, Masabatha Klaas, Mignon du Preez, Nadine de Klerk, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Sune Luus, Tabraiz Shamzi, Temba Bavuma, Trisha Chetty, Tumi Sekhukhune
Read their full statement below:
As Proteas cricketers, we are proud to represent South Africa. We have reached the peak of our careers as players and we strive for excellence every time we step onto the field.
We play for all South Africans. This year has been a challenge. Covid has already cost our teams tours of the West Indies, Sri Lanka and England, and we all hope the Proteas Men can kick off the international season against England in the summer.
However, as Proteas players, both male and female, we are concerned about the future of our game. At the operational and board level, Cricket South Africa has gone from one crisis to another over the past year. Topics such as suspensions, layoffs, resignations, forensic audits, confidential leaks, litigation and financial mismanagement have dominated cricket headlines. This is happening at a time when we are having challenging conversations about transformation and in an environment where the financial viability of the game is seriously threatened.
High standards are expected of us as players. To be successful as Proteas teams, we know that we must put aside personal differences and work together. We require the same of our administrators. Politics and self-interest seem to outweigh the imperatives of cricket and good governance. Decisions must be made that are in the benefit of cricket, otherwise the game we love may be irreparably damaged in this country. Proteas teams must be strong, the national structure must be solid and the transformation line must be solid; We demand that this be the focus of the CSA Board of Directors and Operational Team.
CSA’s AGM scheduled for September 5, 2020 has been postponed. This may be the last chance we have to change direction and save the game. As Proteas, we demand that all concerned heed our heartfelt plea.
