Radical new cricket plan

Newlands, the Wanderers and SuperSport Park stand to lose the privilege of hosting Proteas matches if a new Cricket South Africa (CSA) proposal to change the allocation model is accepted by the board.

In the past, CSA have co-hosted international games with their major venues, after a certain guarantee has been paid by the cricket franchises, but the new system would see municipalities bidding to host the matches.

Cricket administrators are concerned that the dramatic proposed change means municipalities who bid would have to spend large amounts of taxpayers’ money to host the matches – and that the door would be open to possible corruption.

The new system is reportedly being considered for the England tour to SA next summer, one of the most lucrative tours with thousands of Barmy Army tourists flocking to the country.

The New Year’s Test in Cape Town is a particular favourite, but under the new system Newlands might not host that game anymore, breaking a tradition that stretches back to 1923.

Newlands has hosted a New Year’s Test every year since isolation ended in 1992, and almost always boasts capacity crowds. But the four Tests against England could be played in Benoni, East London, Durban and Nelspruit under the proposed system.

A franchise chief executive, who spoke to The Citizen under condition of anonymity because he fears reprisals from the CSA, said: “The idea came from CSA management and we have had no formal response to our objections because apparently the board wants to deliberate. But it’s almost ludicrous to not have a New Year’s Test at Newlands or the Pink Day at the Wanderers, why change what has been successful?

“These fixtures and the ones at SuperSport Park are the heart of any tour and we will not be bidding. The CEOs are not happy and think what will happen when the public hears about this. This smacks of desperation by Cricket South Africa.”

According to another administrator, the new system would give CSA the power to set up corrupt deals with government and certain municipalities.

“The darker side to this is people are saying it’s no coincidence that Cape Town, Johannesburg and Tshwane are all DA-led municipalities. There are many ANC councils, though, who would be willing to make a deal. CSA already have a government liaison to open doors and the corruption comes in when they appoint an agency to put on the event. The kickbacks go through them and there’s the promise of government contracts and jobs for pals,” the administrator said.

Cricket South Africa CEO Thabang Moroe had not responded by the time of going to print.