South Africa news: Proteas batter set to make surprise club cricket return

Former South Africa batter JP Duminy has been included in Strandfontein Cricket Club’s squad for this their Western Province Cricket Association first division A fixture against the University of Cape Town Cricket Club.

The former Proteas star’s participation in the match was first reported by Club Cricket SA.

Duminy retired from all forms of professional cricket in 2020, but has remained involved with the club.

Strandfontein currently occupy eighth position in 2021-22’s 12-team WPCA first division A.

The club have won six of their 14 WPCA first division A fixtures. Three of those victories were achieved with bonus points.

Duminy has a history of coming to the club’s aid, having turned out for them a few seasons ago while he was still an active Proteas player.

His JP21 Foundation has also sought to reignite the passion and enthusiasm for the game of cricket. Particularly in underprivileged communities and schools in the Western Cape areas of Mitchells Plain and Strandfontein.

Over 2000 learners participate in the programmes put on by the JP21 Foundation with four boys having gone on to represent Western Province and eight earning bursaries to further their education.

Those programmes include holiday clinics, a holistic winter programme and working closely with Cricket South Africa hubs.

Duminy is also a noted anti-bullying advocate and has spoken out about the mental health issues facing players.

The stated vision of the JP21 Foundation is: “To inspire minds, provide opportunities and to be an instrument for change, we want kids in a vulnerable society to be afforded opportunities to make their dreams come true. Make a tangible and meaningful contribution to society. It is our wish to increase our resources.

“Founded in 2015, JP21 Foundation is dedicated to revitalizing the game of cricket in under developed communities and schools. Communities riddled by gang violence and substance abuse. With a population of over one million people, the JP21 Foundation has an opportunity to make a real impact in the children’s lives within this community.

“Critical to our objectives is to promote positive social behaviour, community engagement, skills development and making cricket accessible to all learners.

“We do this by, equipping learners holistically from social development interventions to promoting healthy lifestyle living and importantly creating a spirited environment.

“In Addition, the project endeavours toidentify and develop talent and skills of learners and provide a specialized program for this.