South Africa have introduced a quota system for homegrown black players into their domestic competitions.The decision was made by the board of directors of Cricket South Africa ahead of today’s Annual General Meeting, and it will come into effect from October 16, just under a week after the Momentum Cup one-day competition started.
Each franchise is expected to field at least one black African player in their teams across all three competitions.
Former South Africa ace Makhaya Ntini (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A CSA statement said: “All franchises that play more than one black African player for more than 70 percent of the matches across all three formats will be reimbursed the average contract cost of the qualified black African players.”
Each semi-professional side is expected to field at least two black African players.
The CSA statement went on: “All semi-professional teams that play more than two black African players for more than 70 percent of the matches across all three formats will be reimbursed the average contract cost of the qualified black African players.
“All affiliate teams and squads below franchise and semi-professional level, including youth cricket, must work towards selecting at least three black African players who shall play in at least four of the six (66%) of the matches at any tournament. This will come into force during the 2014/15 season.”
Haroon Lorgat, CSA’s chief executive, said: “It is encouraging to see our coaches, players and administrators support the drive for accelerated transformation, which has culminated in these practical decisions.
“The CSA Board has also supported a recommendation from the cricket committee to implement a more flexible player loan agreement to facilitate the development of black African players. This is currently being drafted in consultation with the South African cricketers Association (SACA).”
Makhaya Ntini is South Africa’s most decorated black African cricketer. Now retired, Ntini took 390 wickets in 101 Tests between 1998 and 2009.
Meanwhile, Warriors batsman Ashwell Prince plans to sit out the entire Momentum Cup campaign having played a full summer of county cricket in England with Lancashire.
The experienced left-hander, who must play domestic cricket in his homeland as an overseas player due to his Kolpak registration in England, will play four-day and Twenty20 cricket for the Warriors before returning to Lancashire in late March or early April.
The Warriors opened their campaign against the Knights today.
James Buttler
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James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
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