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An empty Newlands hosts the first T20 between the Proteas and England (Rooster)
- South African cricket is poised for a major national restructuring that will see the franchise system dissolved.
- Now a total of 15 provincial camps will operate, divided into a first and second division.
- Promotion and relegation will now apply each season, as is the case with English county cricket.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has resolved to accept the recommendations of the David Richardson Task Force to completely restructure the domestic game.
This follows months of consultation between CSA and the South African Cricket Players Association (SACA) after a roadmap for the process was initially drafted in February 2020.
The roadmap agreement met SACA’s requirement to be consulted in terms of the July 2018 Recognition and Procedure Agreement between SACA and CSA.
The recommendations of the Richardson report were then presented to the CSA Interim Board which then resolved to recommend their implementation to the Council of Members, who in turn supported the new national cricket structure by passing a special resolution.
Under the new structure, the current six-team franchise cricket composition will be dissolved and replaced by a first-class 15-team system.
The format will see teams split 8-7 in a Division 1 and Division 2 arrangement with automatic promotion and relegation to be implemented.
This automatic ascent and descent system aims to provide healthy tension in the system that will enhance a high performance environment, while also providing opportunities for Division 2 members who want to be part of a competitive premier division.
“The resolution to accept and approve the Richardson Committee’s recommendation to restructure national competition is the culmination of a long-standing process. Heralds a new era for CSA and its affiliates,” said Acting Chairman of the CSA Council of Members, Rihan Richards.
“I must thank Dave Richardson, his committee, and everyone who has been involved in the process. The support the resolution received indicates the buy-in of all stakeholders and a commitment to strengthening South African cricket. We really hope that the system will improve not just access and opportunities at all levels, but it will contribute to sustainable CSA and play. ”
The Division 1 schedule will be similar to the current system where all eight teams will play four days, one day and Twenty20 (MSL) cricket all in a single round.
The same eight teams will also compete in a national T20 knockout tournament with the seven teams from Division 2, the season of which will comprise a four-day, one-day competition.
Division 2 players will have the opportunity to play in the MSL through a player draft. Proteas and other international players will also appear in the draft.
The divisional division from 8 to 7 will be determined through a “bidding process” in which each member will be evaluated based on their performance, both current and historical, based on defined evaluation criteria, as well as their strategic plan to lead and maintain a professional team. within this new professional era at the affiliate member level.
The enhancement will include: an improved contract system, an increase in the number and quality of opportunities, as well as an enhancement of leadership talent within CSA’s coaching structures.
The proposed competition structure will offer more opportunities to players at the highest first-class national level, essentially expanding the talent pool for national selectors.
Furthermore, the objective is also to strengthen the development line by offering a clear “line of sight” path for all players, wherever they are in the country, to progress from club cricket to international cricket.
“After considering the extensive review and consultation process undertaken, the Interim Board recommended that the Council of Members adopt the new national cricket structure. This new structure will better serve our transformation goals, which include providing greater gaming opportunities to the most high national level, “commented the acting president of the Board, Judge Zak Yacoob.
– CSA Media
