The South African Cricketers’ Association has launched a formal dispute with Cricket South Africa over unpaid fees for the inaugural edition of the Mzansi Super League.

In the 2018 MSL the Jozi Stars, Cape Town Blitz, Paarl Rocks, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, Tshwane Spartans and Durban Heat were battling for the maiden title. The Stars beat the Blitz in the final.

‘Unfortunately CSA has persistently refused to pay an agreed amount relating to the use of the players commercial rights and consequently the players have yet to be paid for these. This has occurred despite CSA having benefited from the use of the rights in last year’s MSL,’ said Saca chief executive officer Tony Irish.

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‘We have been trying to resolve this with CSA for many months but have now reached the point where formal steps have to be taken as players remain out of pocket.’

Saca’s bid to have CSA’s proposal to replace South Africa’s franchise cricket with a 12-team provincial system, meanwhile, is ongoing.

‘Saca remains committed to the court application as this is necessary to deal with CSA’s decision to unilaterally impose a new domestic structure on the players without consultation and in clear breach of signed agreements between Saca and CSA,’ added Irish.

‘This imposed structure, if allowed, would lead to a very significant number of provincial players losing their careers as professional cricketers and it would also give rise to the likelihood of substantial cuts in the earnings and benefits of franchise players.’

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