South Africa vs England Tour to go on as planned

The men’s white-ball series between England and South Africa could still hold despite the political issues surrounding the future of Cricket South Africa (CSA).

What is scheduled is that South Africa will battle the World Cup holders in three ODIs and three T20Is at Newlands and in Paarl from November 27.

It is expected that England would have ensured that they will play before they board their charter flight on Monday for the men’s white-ball series.

But the trip could be a waste if the political impasse is not addressed. The government had proposed an interim board to CSA after it failed to manage its affairs.

There have been several governance crises in the CSA amidst dwindling finances for the past three years. This prompted Nathi Mthethwa, the minister of sport, to intervene and proposed the interim board. However, the members’ council is digging in its heels against interim governance.

Meanwhile, England is due to go into a bio-secure bubble at a Cape Town hotel for ten days, which is the mandatory COVID-19 protocol that must be followed.

With such time the scenario could change, and this will be bad for South African cricket and a waste of time for England. As pressure continues to mount on the members’ council, they may yield and be forced to do what many consider the right thing.

It was gathered that Mthethwa is patient with the members’ council because it was elected by CSA’s provincial affiliates. Forcing their removal could lead to controversies that will question the government’s respect for the democratic process. If they proceed with taking over with force, they could be resisted in the courts.

Meanwhile, it has been said that the members’ council has created a lot of mess and need to leave honourably before things deteriorate further.

We will be on the lookout to get the latest concerning the development of this saga.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed