Cricket South Africa faces showdown talks as players threaten to go on a strike ahead of England series

South Africa Cricket is going through some of their worst days on and off the field. And everything is not right between their players’ association and cricket board. Moreover, there is news that South Africa Cricket Association has threatened that the players might go on strike weeks ahead of the four-match Test series against England if the board doesn’t come onto an agreement over their demands.

Proteas had a poor stint at 2019 World Cup where they could only win three matches out of their nine games. Later on, they faced a whitewash in Test series against India by 0-3.  However, they are currently ranked 4th in ODIs and T20Is. South Africa and England are scheduled to meet on Boxing Day in the first test of the four-match series.

South Africa Cricket Association in a tussle with the cricket board 

The ongoing tussle between the players association and cricket board has left a question mark on their important series against England. The reason behind their cold tussle is on the commercial rights of the team. Now, Tony Irish, the chief of SACA has come out with a clarification that they are currently at the early stage of discussion with the board. Moreover, the association is well aware of the importance of international fixtures and according to him, they will not get affected due to the distress with the board.

“We still have to discuss the principle of it (industrial action), this is a very early stage of discussion and we will be very mindful of the importance of the international fixtures. It is unlikely those will be affected. We will be responsible around the international tours because we know that those affect teams from outside of South Africa,” SACA chief said as quoted by Reuters.

He also added that they have tried every means to deal with the issue but CSA didn’t listen to them. The board kept on breaching the agreement. However, at some stage, they have to take some stern steps against the cricket board. Also, he didn’t rule out the possibility of strike while keeping it as the last option. He felt that it is all about keeping the game healthy and clean because it will be good for the players, whose livelihood is dependent on the game only.

“It is the exhaustion of all other means of trying to deal with issues. Agreements are breached, we raise concerns, we try to resolve issues, and the result from the other side (CSA) is just to carry on. At some stage, you must decide whether you will accept that,” he added.

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