Western Province’s administrative disruption might see Newlands losing New Year's Test
The New Year’s Test between South Africa and England might be moved from Newlands after CSA’s growing concerns about Western Province Cricket Association's financial and administrative affairs. The potential disruption caused by a massive construction project currently underway at the ground.
As per a report on local South African publication, IOL Sport, the association has got into significant financial strife as it continued its attempts to raise money for building developments at Newlands, and there are signs of a troubled state of affairs in the organisation's administration as Cricket South Africa observed.Â
As a matter of fact, ESPNcricinfo reported that the WPCA has not held its annual general meeting this year and the disruption has come to such a point that Cricket South Africa had appointed an administrator to take over the administrative, governance and financial affairs of WPCA "until all these respective functions have been placed on a satisfactory footing".
"We are concerned with the finances of Western Province, so as CSA we want to understand some of the decisions they have taken and what their plans are in terms of moving themselves out of the hole they have put themselves in," Moroe explained. "They may not be able to [host the New Year's Test] but I'd like to think that with us sitting around the table and working together as the mother body and the affiliate partner that we ensure that the Test match stays there and we are ready to host it."
Earlier this year, the WPCA, which is also home to Cape Cobras, announced a R750 million (approx. US$50 million) upgrade to Newlands. The plan was to do a construction project of four new office blocks on the site, as well as refurbishments to the Western Province offices and President's Pavilion at Newlands. South African financial services and investments group Sanlam was to have taken on 51% of the costs, with WPCA covering the other 49%. But with CSA suspending the WPCA board, appointing former chief executive Andre Odendaal as an administrator, it is bound to take a hands-on approach. CSA believes the construction might affect the safety of fans during the Test.
"CSA will exercise its rights until such time that it is reasonably of the opinion that the WPCA administrative and financial affairs are being conducted according to best practice and that the association can assure equity partners and stakeholders that projects currently underway will unfold as planned," said CSA President and board chairman Chris Nenzani.