Proteas Player Statement
As Proteas
cricketers, we are proud to be representatives of South Africa. We have
reached the pinnacle of our playing careers and we strive for excellence every
time we walk onto the field. We play for every South African.
This year has been challenging. COVID has
already cost our teams tours to the West Indies, Sri Lanka and England, and we
are all hoping that the Proteas Men we will be able to commence the
international season against England in the summer.
However, as Proteas players, both men and women,
we are concerned about the future of our game. At Board and Operational
level, Cricket South Africa has lurched from crisis to crisis over the past
year. Issues such as suspensions, dismissals, resignations, forensic
audits, confidential leaks, litigation and financial mismanagement have
dominated the cricket headlines. This is happening at a time when we are having
challenging conversations about transformation, and in an environment where the
financial viability of the game is under major threat.
High standards are expected of us as
players. To succeed as Proteas teams, we know we have to put aside
personal differences and work together. We require the same of our
administrators. Politics and self-interest appear to trump cricket imperatives
and good governance. Decisions must be made that are in the best
interests of cricket, failing which the game we love may be irreparably damaged
in this country. The Proteas teams must be strong, the domestic structure
must be strong, and the transformation pipeline must be strong – we demand that
this be the focus of the CSA Board and Operational Team.
The CSA AGM scheduled for 5 September 2020 has
now been postponed. This may be the last chance we have to change
direction and save the game. As Proteas we demand that all stakeholders
heed our sincere plea.
Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, Anrich
Nortje, Ayabonga Khaka, Beuran Hendricks, Chloe Tryon, Dané van Niekerk, David
Miller, Dean Elgar, Dwaine Pretorius, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj,
Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Lungi Ngidi, Marizanne Kapp, Masabatha Klaas,
Mignon du Preez, Nadine de Klerk, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza
Hendricks, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Sune Luus, Tabraiz Shamzi, Temba
Bavuma, Trisha Chetty, Tumi Sekhukhune