Cricket South Africa’s interim board chairman Stavros Nicolaou expressed his deep disappointment at the Members’ Council’s vote not to amend the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) for the sake of adopting a new independent board.

Last week nine out of the 14 provincial presidents from the Members’ Council voted to finally adopt the new restructuring, which would also be led by an independent chairperson.

But, during Saturday’s Special General Meeting, which was attended by Minister of Sport, Nathi Mthethwa, only six members voted for the amendment of the MOI, while five voted against – four were abstained. The voting was done by secret ballot.

READ: CSA members’ council says no to MOI amendments

‘What happened today was extremely disappointing and certainly not in the best interests of cricket,’ said Nicolaou in a statement on Saturday evening.

‘A minority of the Members’ Council have yet again shown itself to place self-preservation ahead of the interests of the game and indeed, the national interest. This minority is determined to hold the game – and the country – hostage. It has been aided and abetted by SASCOC, whose intervention in the CSA SGM today was totally unacceptable and indeed appeared orchestrated. Fortunately, members of the media were present at the SGM to ensure the public will be informed as to what happened today.’

During the SGM, SASCOC president Barry Hendricks, who joined the meeting late only as an observer, was encouraged by some of Council’s members to address the meeting.

Despite efforts from Nicolaou and Members Council president Rihan Richards to stop this from happening, Hendricks began speaking and threatened CSA with suspension if the council votes for the amendment of the MOI.

Hendricks pointed out that SASCOC has the final say over CSA’s membership and funding. Mthethwa didn’t like this reaction from Hendricks and intervened – making it clear that SASCOC referred the issue to the Department of Sport last year and that the minister is overseeing the issue.

Saturday was also the final day of the interim board’s extended stay to implement the mandate of the sports minister. No update has yet been given on how Mthethwa will react to the situation, given the Members’ Council’s decision to vote against his wish.

‘The Interim Board is in discussion with the Minister about the way forward for cricket in South Africa,’ added Nicolaou.