The South African Cricketers’ Association has insisted Cricket South Africa’s board of directors act promptly after several journalists’ media accreditation was revoked.

Cape Town-based Telford Vice, Firdose Moonda and Stuart Hess were among those whose accreditation was suspended on Sunday, during the Mzansi Super League fixture between the Cape Town Blitz and Tshwane Spartans at Newlands.

‘It’s a sorry state of affairs when attempts are made to silence respected journalists for writing about the ongoing problems in the game,’ said Saca chief executive officer Tony Irish.

‘This is not, however, dissimilar to what Saca has had to endure over the last nine months, during which we have been barred from CSA sub-committees, denied access to critical information necessary for us to represent the players and had our agreements breached with impunity.’

Saca, meanwhile, has effectively taken CSA to court over the proposed changes to domestic cricket in South Africa. CSA wants to dissolve the franchise system in favour of escalated provincial cricket, which would jeopardise several player contracts.

‘Many of the concerns we have are not even related to the high court application yet CSA continues to refuse to address them,’ added Irish.

‘Now in the last week there are added concerns relating to “unknown selectors” selecting the Proteas team and the barring of cricket journalists from matches. It is clear to us that things are getting worse, not better.

‘On behalf of the 310 professional cricketers which we represent we are now left to publicly implore the directors of CSA to exercise their fiduciary duties by acting to deal with these issues and to protect the game from further damage.

‘The players not only care deeply about the game but also understand that their careers depend on its health and sustainability. From the players’ point of view we therefore want to see solutions to the current problems, and for the game to be returned to a healthy position as a matter of priority.’

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