When it rains, it pours at the offices of Cricket South Africa (CSA).
And it’s coming down in buckets after the union was dealt a fresh double blow yesterday.
Firstly, two of the Proteas players currently in a culture camp in Skukuza tested positive for the coronavirus and then the South African Cricketers’ Association also sent out a statement demanding answers from CSA with regards to their recent failures at administration level.
CSA said in a statement: “Cricket South Africa (CSA) can confirm that 50 Covid-19 tests were performed on players and support staff prior to attending the Proteas men’s team culture camp in Skukuza from 18-22 August.
“Two players have returned positive tests. They will unfortunately miss the camp as they have begun the isolation protocol.
“All those unable to attend the camp will join the proceedings virtually.”
One of those players who is expected to join virtually is former captain Faf du Plessis, who celebrated the birth of a daughter on Thursday.
Later in the day, Saca made the pap dik, highlighting their concern that the current crisis at boardroom level might “threaten the very existence of the game in South Africa”.
With president Chris Nenzani and interim CEO Jacques Faul stepping down earlier this week, Saca says: “Saca has engaged directly with players over the past few weeks, and there is a growing realisation amongst players that their careers as professional cricketers are being threatened by the very organisation that should be nurturing them.
“CSA must show leadership in dealing with the various crises facing the game; the transformation and discrimination crisis; the resumption of cricket under Covid-19; the finalisation of the disciplinary matter of the suspended CEO…”
Saca president Omphile Ramela adds: “Instead of facing these crises, CSA is embroiled in destructive politics at board and management level…
“Before we see the total collapse of the game of cricket, there needs to be a leadership intervention... that is able to stabilise and transform both the game and the business of cricket.”
Proteas team culture camp squad
Aiden Markram (Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Beuran Hendricks (Lions), Bjorn Fortuin (Lions), Daryn Dupavillon (Dolphins), David Miller (Dolphins), Dean Elgar (Titans), Dwaine Pretorius (Lions), George Linde (Cape Cobras), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), Janneman Malan (Cape Cobras), Jon-Jon Smuts (Warriors), Junior Dala (Titans), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Keegan Petersen (Dolphins), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Kyle Verryenne (Cape Cobras), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Lutho Sipamla (Lions), Pieter Malan (Cape Cobras), Pite Van Biljon (Knights), Quinton de Kock (Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Rudi Second (Warriors), Senuran Muthusamy (Dolphins), Sisanda Magala (Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Temba Bavuma (Lions), Zubayr Hamza (Cape Cobras).