The South African Cricketers’ Association has filed a court application to have Cricket South Africa’s decision to restructure domestic competition reviewed.

Earlier this year, CSA chief executive officer Thabang Moroe confirmed that the franchise system will be replaced by provincial cricket in 2021.

The change would effectively see the Lions, Cape Cobras, Knights, Dolphins, Warriors and Titans be replaced by Gauteng, Western Province, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Border, Northerns and others.

‘Saca’s application to court follows numerous, unsuccessful attempts by us to get CSA to address our concerns relating to the financial situation in cricket. It also follows clear breaches by CSA of Saca/CSA agreements in taking the decision to restructure domestic cricket’ read a statement from Saca president Omphile Ramela.

‘The restructuring decision will have serious implications for the players and for the game in South Africa. The lack of proper engagement with Saca before making this decision has left us with no alternative but to approach the court to challenge that decision.’

Limpopo and Mpumalanga will likely join the 12 other provincial teams in 2022. While the T20 Challenge will be terminated, the Mzansi Super League will continue.

Saca CEO Tony Irish added: ‘Saca’s application has been filed in the South Gauteng local division of the High Court under case number 18985/2019.

‘It also calls on CSA to deliver to the court, and to Saca, documents and records that CSA relied upon in making the decision to restructure domestic cricket.

‘CSA will now need to decide whether or not to oppose our court application, and if it opposes, it will need to file answering papers, and Saca will have the right to reply to those. We expect that the legal process, which culminates in the hearing of our application in court, will take about three to four months.’

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