What was billed to be South Africa’s first big live sporting event since the coronavirus lockdown, the Solidarity Cup, has now been postponed.
The brainchild of former Proteas spin bowler Paul Harris, the Solidarity Cup would have taken place this coming Sunday at SuperSport Park and would have introduced the world to three-team cricket.
But it seems they were too hasty in trying to meet preparation requirements, which include Covid-19 safety measures, and have had to postpone the cup a week before launch.
A statement released by Cricket South Africa on Saturday reads: “The operational teams behind the Solidarity match and event partners in collaboration with Cricket South Africa, 3TCricket and SuperSport met to consider the readiness to host the event on 27th June.
“Following this meeting, it has become clear that more work is needed in preparation including approval.
“A new date will be announced in due course.”
In what will be a 36-over match, the three teams the Kites, Kingfishers and the Eagles will be captained by stars Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and AB de Villiers respectively.
STARRING: Quinton de Kock
When applying for an event to take place, sports bodies must apply in writing to the minister and must take into account the following:
• The testing of athletes
• Waiting period of the results
• Cleaning and disinfection of the sporting venues
• Appointment of a compliance officer
• Preparation of the register
• Procurement of the screening
Equipment
• Development of transportation plan
• Procurement of sanitisers and mask
• Planning around the issue of catering
• Development of training methodology
• Names and sporting venues to be utilised
• Any alternative venue whereby the previous venues or area have been declared a hotspot
• Identification of isolation area