Ajay Sethi lashes out at ‘unethical’ Cricket South Africa
dubai — Ajay Sethi, owner of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stars of the South Africa T20 Global League, has blasted Cricket South Africa (CSA) for being “unethical” by pushing owners out of the new league.
CSA had said that the league was postponed in the absence of a broadcast, media and sponsorship deal but with the governing body now teaming up with broadcasters SuperSport, a new league will see the light of day. But, it is being said that the eight franchises will not be a part of the new arrangement, with CSA set to reimburse the costs incurred.
And, that has left the team owners seething in anger. “We were very happy that Supersport deal was way forward for all of us, but it was shocking to hear that Cricket South Africa had another agenda by putting owners out of the league,” Sethi said in a statement.
“The league was postponed by providing us the reason on the absence of media (rights). However, CSA seems to have a different plan to remove the owners and then do the media deal. This is totally unethical and no federation will do that in any part of the world. We would like to know how can SuperSport sign the deal immediately after the termination letter was sent to us? With regards to the Bid Deposit,
We were very happy that Supersport deal was way forward for all of us, but it was shocking to hear that Cricket South Africa had another agenda by putting owners out of the league
Ajay Sethi
which was anyway refundable, we would like to clarify that asking for our deposit was our right. We have made it very clear to the CSA that if they don’t give a definite date for the new league, the deposit would be refunded. Moreover, we clearly mentioned to them, our rights remain as owner. CSA didn’t respond that meant they had accepted our mail. Hence, by returning our refund, CSA cannot take our rights back as owners,” he added.
Sethi also said that the removal of Haroon Lorgat, the CEO and the brain behind the initial league, was meant to manipulate the process and added that there was no trust left.
“We feel that they terminated the CEO to manipulate the process. This is totally unethical and no federation will do that in any part of the world. There is no trust left on any federation of sports in South Africa, rugby, soccer, etc.…. all. Who can we trust? Foreign investment of 500 million was wasted. This kind of behaviour has given a wrong message to foreign investors in any business field. Global T20 is a victim of personal egos. Agendas of these few individuals has made all reputed owners suffer the damages, loses as well as ruined the reputation,” Sethi said.
Sethi also added that nobody can represent their franchise in the new league. “As the owner of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stars, we would like to reiterate to you that no owners can represent us and hence our stand on refund is clear. We reserve our rights as Nelson Mandela Bay Stars franchise owners,” he said. He urged ICC to formulate regulations to monitor domestic league tournaments, especially the franchise-based leagues.
sports@khaleejtimes.com Printed and Published by Galadari Printing & Publishing (LLC), P.O. Box 11243, Dubai. Telephone: 3383535/ 3384545. Telefax: 3382238/ 3383676. email: sports@khaleejtimes.com Internet Home Page: www.khaleejtimes.com