Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
It has been a very good innings, says Lorgat
Former CSA chief executive will not be looking for a new job in cricket
HAROON Lorgat has no desire to be involved in cricket again. “Right now I don’t feel like I want to be involved again,” Lorgat told Independent Media this week from his home in Cape Town, just two weeks after after his shock departure from Cricket South Africa (CSA).
The former chief executive was relieved of his post after a breakdown in the relationship with the CSA board.
CSA and Lorgat parted ways with immediate effect, with vice-president Thabang Moroe stepping in as the acting chief executive, while the search for a replacement continues.
“I have had my chance, both at CSA and the ICC (International Cricket Council), and judging from the many good messages I have received in the past few weeks, I’m clear that I leave with many positive contributions,” said Lorgat.
The 57-year-old, who began his tenure as chief executive of CSA in 2013, said his only wish was to have exited under better circumstances.
“My final meeting with the board was difficult, but it was a professional and cordial engagement. Even though I have recently read of some poor comments by Mr Moroe, I believe both parties would want to maintain a friendly relationship.”
CSA president Chris Nenzani said last week it had tried on a few occasions to remedy the situation between Lorgat and the board, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
While Lorgat looks back fondly on the past four years, he admits his final year with the cricket governing body was turbulent.
“The job was quite demanding, complex, and there was very little time for anything else. While it was enjoyable, the past year has been difficult.”
Lorgat, who was the driving force behind South Africa’s a lot of people made plenty of sacrifices in trying to put on a great tournament for the cricket-loving people of South Africa.
“It’s crucial that the league succeeds for the future well-being of South African cricket. It helps that we have great team owners who are still committed to the league.”
There were highs and lows during his tenure.
“The success we achieved in transforming the entire business which includes access, representation, women’s cricket; winning the Under19 World Cup and developing a host of new international players in the Protea’s set-up, stand out.
“I’m also very proud of the effort put in to re-engineer the entire CSA business model to make it sustainable.
“This included training staff to operate at high professional standards. We have been openly recognised as the best national sporting federation.
“On the low side, the disturbing internal challenge I faced with my chief financial officer was crippling and perhaps my ultimate undoing.”
Lorgat was pleased with the strides he made with transformation in cricket.
“I’m satisfied that we remodelled the system to ensure transformation was taking place from the bottom-up. That makes transformation real and sustainable.”
Lorgat believes the future of cricket in South Africa remained bright. “All the necessary fundamentals are in place and we have the talent and fan base to succeed.”
While Lorgat was unsure of what he planned to do next, his focus now was on enjoying quality time with his family.
“It really has been fantastic being at home with my family. I’ve realised what sacrifices my family made over the years and it’s now important for me to spend my time with them.”