Cricket South Africa Gets A Go-Ahead From Its Government To Resume Training

Professional cricket got a huge fillip on Saturday in South Africa with the Minister of Sports, Art, and Culture, giving a go-ahead to the resumption of training and playing.

The regulations to start training and playing non-contact sport in the rainbow nation were announced on Saturday morning.

Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Jacques Faul expressed his elation at the decision, stating that it is a big boost for the operational side of the game.

“This is a big boost for the operational side of our cricket. We have been in regular contact with SRSA and the Minister and they have been very supportive of the game in these difficult times,” said CSA Acting Chief Executive Jacques Faul as quoted by Asian News International [ANI].

He added: “At this stage these regulations apply only to professional cricket and our next step will be to draw up a protocol covering the return to training and playing and submit it to SRSA for approval. Both our national teams and our franchises will in due time be given the green light to return to training,” he added.

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No player will be forced to train: Cricket South Africa chief Jacques Faul

Jacques Faul, however, reiterated that no player or for that matter any member of the support staff will be forced to resume training.

“I have already had discussions with the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) and I would like to stress that no player, coach, support staff or administrator will be forced to return to training if they are uncomfortable with it at this stage,” said Faul.

Cricket South Africa, just like other members boards of the International Cricket Council, is facing a major financial issue thanks to the COVID-19 situation that has put the game to a grinding halt.

Earlier there were reports that CSA and the BCCI have zeroed in of playing a three-match T20I series between the two nations in South Africa later in August in the bio-secure environment.

BCCI, however, has refuted such claims, stating that it is too early to commit to anything.

Also Read: India Not Committed To Tour South Africa For T20I Series: Arun Dhumal