The end of an era spanning 17 years, Tony Irish departs from his position as the founding father of the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA). SACA was born out of a vision that sought to promote and protect the interest of players in South Africa. Over the years, SACA has evolved into a business with the sole purpose of enhancing player welfare.
SACA is an organisation with a lean staff composition working tirelessly to service and lead the way in the welfare of emerging and professional cricketers. The flagship service available to all contracted players is the SACA Player Plus programme which embodies what it means to be a modern-day professional cricketer.
SACA, under the watchful eye of Irish, has provided the necessary resources to ensure players focus on developing and achieving their life goals on and off the field. SACA’s commercial programme has enhanced player earnings potential and is always the highlight of every cricketer’s year. SACA has also maintained and negotiated an MOU, which comprehensively regulates player matters (i.e. player contracts, benefits and disputes, safety & security, etc.). I highlight the above because this is what Tony Irish has spent the better part of two decades building, developing and mastering to ensure that the interests of players in South Africa are protected and promoted.
He leaves a formidable legacy, not only for South African cricket but across various international player associations and sporting federations. Federations can take a page out of Tony’s book on how to protect the essence of not only the players’ rights but the game as a whole. Irish has always lead SACA with the players’ interest at the centre of cricket as an asset of the game. With this philosophy, any organisation stands a better chance to go further and be more profitable.
His intentions have always had the good of the players and the game at heart. He does not ask of the organisation anything he would not ask of himself. He works relentlessly smart and puts in the hours required and so much more.
I have personally learnt an enormous amount about the complexity and density of cricket administration from Tony. More importantly, the role SACA needs to play in the life of any cricketer. Tony can look back on his achievements in cricket and be enormously proud of all he has contributed to the player group and cricket in South Africa. He can stand tall of the fact that he has built a lean and mean union machines. As cricketers, we can take pride in the being members of one of the best and most modernised unions in the world.
Tony leaves our organisations during turbulent times within cricket. And I know it was not an easy decision for him and his family. I also know that he has won many fights for SACA and the players. He leaves a formidable team that is experienced, committed and cares deeply about the work they do at SACA for the players.
We take this moment to say, thank you, Tony, for all the hard work, many sacrifices and for always fighting the good fight for the players and the game. On behalf of all players in SA, thank for advancing the player cause with integrity, principle and diligence.
Thank you, and we wish you all the best on your new journey!!!
PS: Your heart will forever be green and gold. And as the summer begins against England, I know you will be shouting for the Proteas to win!
