South Africa's cricketing future in jeopardy after sports minister de-funds and de-recognises CSA

South Africa’s future participation in international tournaments hangs in doubt after the nation’s Sports Minister has prepared to “de-recognize” Cricket South Africa. In a letter to the CSA’s interim board and Members’ council, Nathi Mthethwa, the country’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture has mentioned invoking his powers to de-fund and de-recognize the body.

The Members Council has been holding out against agreeing on a new Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) for the organization that would allow for a greater number of independent directors on its board. Both Mthethwa and the interim board find this necessary for ensuring good governance.

The move, which Mthethwa said would come into effect “at the earliest opportunity”, could lead the International Cricket Council to take action against South Africa, as the apex body strictly disapproves of government intervention, and has previously suspended Zimbabwe for the same.

A “sad day” for cricket: CSA’s interim board statement

“I have decided to invoke my powers… by de-funding and de-recognizing CSA,” Mthethwa said in a letter to CSA on Friday. “I will as soon as possible also inform the ICC of my decision and provide them with my reasons for doing so.”

CSA’s interim board released a statement in response, calling it a “sad day” for cricket in the country. “Only the Members Council can retrieve the situation now by resolving to support an expedited procedure (for the new MOI),” interim board chairman Stavros Nicolaou said.

The interim board’s statement added that “It is deeply disappointing that a self-interested vocal minority voted against change while three members chose to abstain. These actions have now brought the game to its knees and will cause the greatest crisis since readmission.”

The ICC, issuing a statement earlier this week said that it “encourages Members to work with governments to resolve issues. Not all government intervention is problematic and for the ICC to get involved it requires a formal complaint from our Members that it is unwanted. Should that happen we will evaluate the situation based on the facts provided and plan an appropriate course of action.”

South Africa’s men’s national team will next be in action in June when they will be travelling to the West Indies to participate in a tour rescheduled from last year due to Covid-19, while the women’s team has no major assignments until the World Cup 2022. Any impact on South Africa’s players currently taking part in the IPL is unlikely.