Standard Bank has withdrawn as the title sponsor of the Proteas.
Standard Bank’s decision has come amid a myriad of recent problems for Cricket South Africa, including ongoing calls for chief executive officer Thabang Moroe and president Chris Nenzani to resign.
CSA board chairperson Iqbal Khan and independent director Shirley Zinn resigned earlier this week. Zinn was particularly unimpressed with Moroe, who recently revoked the media accreditation of five outspoken cricket journalists. The accreditation has since been reinstated and Moroe has apologised.
Also see: Bacher wants Moroe to quit
CSA’s director of cricket position, meanwhile, has not yet been filled a mere three weeks prior to the Proteas’ Test series against England. Former captain Graeme Smith interviewed for the position.
‘Standard Bank is committed to upholding the highest levels of leadership, integrity and governance. In light of recent developments at CSA, which are a culmination of longstanding problems which have damaged Standard Bank’s reputation, it has decided not to renew its partnership with CSA,’ said Standard Bank Group chief marketing and communications officer Thulani Sibeko.
‘We wish the national cricket team well in the years ahead. The Test, ODI and T20I teams have made South Africans immensely proud over the years and we are grateful to have been a part of their journey.’
Earlier this week, the Willowton Group insisted Moroe and Nenzani resign with immediate effect. The Willowton Group’s Sunfoil brand is among CSA’s sponsors.
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