South Africa captains apologise to sponsors for their board’s betrayal

In what comes as a strong statement in the face of the ongoing turmoil in South Africa’s cricket administration, the South African Cricketers’ Association, the body representing all the players, men and women in the rainbow nation, has come out with an open letter to apologise to sponsors of the game. The letter is signed by SACA President Kyle Zondo and all three national captains including Dean Elgar, Dane Van Niekerk and Temba Bavuma. 

"As players, we wish to speak directly to the many sponsors of our beloved game ... [and] ... recognise and acknowledge that your involvement in the game supports our careers and provides funding for the development of the game throughout South Africa,” read the SACA letter.  

The players further went on to say, “We apologise for the actions of our administrators who have undermined and betrayed your commitment to the sport." Terming the decision taken by the Cricket South Africa’s board members to not honour their words of ratifying the constitution to make the board look more independent, as being taken in "bad faith”, the SACA said that it was "disrespectful not only to the Sports Minister’s office but to all cricketers and the public". 

Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa's sports minister, had given a warning and announced April 18 as the last date for board members to yield to the Ministry’s demands of setting up a more impartial and independent cricket board by adapting to a new constitution. But that wasn’t done. 

"Government intervention in the sport will have dire consequences, the full extent of which we do not yet know," SACA's release said. "These outcomes will in turn impact touring, broadcast rights and sponsorship deals. Ultimately the financial viability of the game will suffer and cricket at all levels will be severely prejudiced," the SACA wrote. 

Asking the public to "continue to support cricket” SACA, said, “It is the most wonderful game, and we are immensely proud to represent you on the field." 

The Association then lashed out at the Cricket Board’s member council for not keeping the games’ and player’s interest at the top, rather than its own mala fide motives. "The members’ council has now acted contrary to the wishes of the minister, the Nicholson recommendations, King IV governance principles, and international best practice - how can this be in the best interests of our game?"