CSA the subject of legal action as SACA files complaint with High Court
The South African Cricketers’ Association has made good on their warning and filed an application with the High Court against Cricket South Africa’s plans to restructure the domestic circuit. CSA took the decision after sending a letter to the body which had threatened to do the same.
On the 4th of May, with the aid of its lawyers, the CSA had been sent a letter by the SACA which had threatened legal notice if the primary cricket body of the Proteas decides to implement its plan of restructuring the domestic circuit. The letter also contained references to other breaches by CSA, including withholding of financial information.
Nearly a month letter, after the CSA didn’t even twitch a muscle following the warning, the SACA has gone ahead with its threat and approached the High Court of Johannesburg., as notified by an official statement.
"SACA's application to court follows numerous, unsuccessful attempts by us to get CSA to address our concerns relating to the financial situation in cricket. It also follows clear breaches by CSA of SACA/CSA agreements in taking the decision to restructure domestic cricket," said SACA President Omphile Ramela in the statement.
The CSA’s proposal is to have a single-tired structure with 12 provincial teams, instead of the prevailing two-tiered structure with six franchises and 13 provisional teams. CSA’s proposal also has a provision to add another couple of teams in the future.
"The restructuring decision will have serious implications for the players and for the game in South Africa. The lack of proper engagement with SACA before making this decision has left us with no alternative but to approach the court to challenge that decision,” SACA had stated explaining the negative consequences the restructuring may have.
The organization’s CEO, Tony Irish, is resolute with the body’s demands and seeks an explanation as to why the proposed plans would be beneficial for the country’s cricketing structure.
"CSA will now need to decide on whether or not to oppose our court application and if it opposes, it will need to file answering papers and SACA will have the right to reply to those. We expect that the legal process, which culminates in the hearing of our application in court, will take about three to four months," Irish stated.