Nathi Mthethwa, South African sports minister has issued a stern warning to Cricket South Africa’s embattled Members Council after removing them from the duties to run the game in the country. It has also put the country’s participation in future international cricket tournaments in jeopardy.
The Powerful Members Council which comprises 14 presidents of the provincial unions is not in favour of agreeing to the new Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) for the organisation. If that works out, it would allow for a greater number of independent directors on the board.
The Sports Minister Mthethwa and also the interim CSA board feels that it is necessary to ensure good governance especially after years of allegation which has hampered the reputation of the organisation. Mthethwa said that the idea should come into effect when they get the earliest opportunity.
"I have decided to invoke my powers ... by de-funding and de-recognising CSA," Mthethwa said in a letter to CSA on Friday.
"I will, as soon as possible, also inform the ICC of my decision and provide them with my reasons for doing so."
Meanwhile CSA’s interim board also issued a statement where he wrote about it being a sad day for cricket in the country.
"Only the Members Council can retrieve the situation now by resolving to support an expedited procedure (for the new MOI)," interim board chairman Stavros Nicolaou said.