Cricket South Africa and the South African Cricketers Association have finally reached common ground on the process of restructuring domestic cricket in the country.

The two bodies have had a turbulent relationship in recent months that saw SACA file an application to the High Court with regards to CSA’s decision at the end of last month to cancel the original plans to introduce 12 affiliated domestic franchises to first-class cricket.

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The agreement comes as a relief to both parties in what has been a challenging time for the CSA administration and management.

New acting CEO of CSA, Jacques Faul, is confident the new consultation outline between the governing body and SACA will be beneficial for the future of domestic cricket.

‘This confirms that we have got our partnership relationship with SACA back on track. It will give everybody, especially our players, certainty and security on the road ahead. As we all know, our players are our biggest asset and it is important that they are consulted when their careers are affected,’ Faul said.

He hopes the talks that are about to take place between CSA and SACA over the next couple of months will encourage players to remain in South African Cricket, instead of going abroad on Kolpak deals.

Former franchise cricketer and current president of SACA, Omphile Ramela, is also optimistic that the new relationship will help stabilise the turmoil of recent times and give the country’s cricket a new vision to strive for.

‘It’s a good day for cricket in South Africa. It is critical that the relationship between CSA and SACA is a constructive one. This agreement will bring stability and clarity for players and is a step in the right direction,’ said Ramela.

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