Reports: CSA to no longer enforce fitness standards with same rigidity as before

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a change in their approach towards fitness standards for male and female cricketers. The change comes in the wake of several high-profile players being sidelined due to failing the strict fitness tests.

As per the recent reports, CSA will no longer enforce fitness standards with the same rigidity as before. Players failing to meet the two-kilometer run time or recommended skinfold measurements will now be subject to the discretion of national coaches for participation.

While CSA continues to strongly recommend that players failing to meet minimum fitness standards should refrain from official matches, the final decision lies with coaches such as Rob Walter, Shukri Conrad, and Hilton Moreeng, who oversee the men's and women's teams.

Last year, CSA faced the challenge of sidelining key players like Dane van Niekerk, Lizelle Lee, and Sisanda Magala due to fitness test failures. This led to discussions around the fitness criteria, prompting CSA's revised stance. Van Niekerk and Lee have since retired, while Magala passed the test and played in recent ODIs.

The fitness benchmarks remain consistent for the 2023-24 season. Male players are required to complete a two-kilometer run in under 8.30 minutes, while women have a target of under 9.30 minutes. Players also need to maintain specified skinfold measurements. 

The fitness tests will be conducted twice a season – pre-competition in September and mid-season in December-January. Players can have a 10-minute warm-up session before the outdoor two-kilometer run. Notably, treadmills and indoor runs are not permissible.

CSA's move aligns with an evolving perspective on fitness standards across cricket-playing nations. Unlike England and Australia, which have utilized similar benchmarks as indicators, CSA's previous rigid approach stood out. The new approach is set to impact player selection, emphasizing flexibility while maintaining the importance of fitness in cricket.

As cricket evolves, so do its standards. CSA's decision to grant coaches discretion underscores a balanced approach, ensuring fitness remains a priority while acknowledging the complex demands on players.