Cricket South Africa Adopts New Fitness Guidelines, Empowering National Head Coaches In Player Selection

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has decided to adopt a more flexible approach towards fitness standards for Both male and female cricketers in the country. The CSA’s decision could prove beneficial for cricketers who have previously failed to meet the required fitness standards.

Cricketers failing to meet the required completion time for the two-kilometer run or exceeding recommended skinfold measurements would now receive permission to play. According to the latest reports, national head coaches will make the final decision on player selection.

However, as per ESPNCricinfo, CSA shared a document with players that states that individuals falling short of the minimum fitness standard “should not take the field in an official match.” The responsible coaches include Rob Walter (men’s white-ball team), Shukri Conrad (men’s red-ball team) and Hilton Moreeng (women’s team).

Veteran Cricketers Failed Fitness Standards Last Year

Earlier, South African male cricketers needed to finish a 2km time trial within eight minutes and 30 seconds, while female players within nine minutes and 30 seconds. Dané van Niekerk was dropped from the Women’s T20 World Cup and subsequently announced her retirement from international cricket.

Wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee and pacer Sisanda Magala failed to meet the fitness standards last year. Van Niekerk and Magala exceeded the designated time for the two-km run, while Lee exceeded the specified weight limit. Lee was set to be denied a no-objection certificate to participate in overseas leagues.

The Minimum Fitness Standards Remain The Same

According to Rapport newspaper, CSA has informed provinces about updated fitness regulations, emphasizing monitoring of players not meeting the minimum requirements.

“The minimum fitness standards remain the same. If a player fails the test, CSA strongly advises that player not be selected and not take the field in an official match. However, the final decision rests with the coach. CSA will take note of all players who do not meet the minimum requirements,” CSA’s head of fitness Adrian le Roux wrote.

Van Niekerk and Lee retired from cricket after failing to meet the fitness requirements. Magala, on the other hand, successfully cleared the fitness test and participated in South Africa’s most recent ODI squad.

Also read: South Africa World Cup Schedule 2023: Full Schedule With PDF, Match List, Time Table, Date, Venue, Time