Question marks over England trip to South Africa after government row
England’s proposed trip to South Africa next month is in doubt after the country’s government served notice of its intention to intervene in the Proteas’ cricket administration.
South African Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa has written to the acting president of Cricket South Africa, Beresford Williams, highlighting long-running dissatisfaction at the governing body and an alleged “failure of leadership to effectively manage its affairs”
While Mthethwa says he sees “no value in any further engagement with CSA”, he has also offered it until October 27 to respond and argue against the intervention.
IN NEWS JUST IN: Minister @NathiMthethwaSA has given Cricket South Africa (CSA) notice of Government intervention. pic.twitter.com/r89BMbpN9n
— Masechaba Khumalo 🇿🇦 (@MasechabaNdlovu) October 14, 2020
A statement from the department of sports, arts and culture read: “Minister Mthethwa strongly believes that there is great merit in creating an environment where sports problems are handled within the sports movement and accordingly wishes to offer them every possible opportunity to demonstrate their stated commitment to cooperate on a way forward for cricket.
“The ball is now firmly in the court of CSA.”
England are pencilled in for three one-day internationals and three Twenty20s in November and December, though talks about the tour are ongoing given the complications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The matches could come into question for another reason if CSA does not find a way to stop the government intervention and makes a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council. The ICC requires national boards to be independently run but requires a protest to be lodged or to see
exceptional circumstances to begin investigating.
A spokesperson said: “The ICC has received a letter from the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa giving notice of potential intervention into the matters of Cricket South Africa.
“At this stage, no complaint has been received from Cricket South Africa regarding government intervention and members are encouraged to resolve matters directly with their governments. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
Latest
-
EnglandAshley Giles calls for second chances in fight against racism in cricket
The England managing director said people must be given ‘the chance to rehabilitate’ and called for education on the issue.
-
The AshesAshley Giles hopeful Ben Stokes will be ready to face Australia in Ashes opener
The all-rounder took an indefinite break in July to prioritise his mental well-being and rest a fractured finger.
-
Test cricketTaijul Islam and Abid Ali shine in Chittagong
Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam claimed a five-wicket haul while Abid Ali scored a century for Pakistan as the first Test is finely poised.
-
Test cricketAshwin strikes blow for India after Iyer heroics against New Zealand
Ravichandran Ashwin took the early wicket of Will Young to leave New Zealand on 4/1 at stumps on the fourth day against New Zealand.
-
The AshesPat Cummins plays down Australia’s game-time fears
New Australia Test captain Pat Cummins is confident his side would be ready to face England “in the next few days” if they had to.
-
Test cricket‘Cheating is cheating’ – Ian Chappell slams Steve Smith’s appointment
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell was critical of Cricket Australia’s decision to appoint Steve Smith as vice-captain.
-
Test cricketFirst Test: Bangladesh vs Pakistan – Day three – Scorecard
Follow Bangladesh vs Pakistan
-
-
Test cricketNkrumah Bonner says footwork is key to West Indies overcoming spin
The West Indies have little time to turn things around.
-
The AshesWhy Shane Warne thinks Cricket Australia have opened themselves up to ridicule
Are Australia becoming a laughing stock?