South Africa’s tour of the West Indies could be in doubt as Cricket South Africa is currently involved in a dispute with their government which might result in the team losing recognition as the official team of the country.
The government of South Africa had asked Cricket South Africa to adopt a new constitution that will reform the discredited existing system of cricket administration in the country.
However in a meeting, the member’s council of CSA voted against the motion for change.
This has led to the sports minister, Nathi Mthe-thwa, seriously considering punitive action against the board.
This action would take away the right of CSA to designate the current South African team, which comes under its jurisdiction, as the official national team of the country.
In essence, it would mean that the board would no longer be the official cricket board of the country.
If this situation materialises, the tour of the West Indies by a South African cricket team would be impossible.
Though international cricket has resumed in the Caribbean, the tour by South Africa is seen by Cricket West Indies as a major event given the status of the Proteas, and financially would suffer grievously if this tour gets cancelled.
This year was supposed to be one of bumper harvest for the board as it is scheduled to host not just South Africa, but also Australia and Pakistan.
The South African team’s visit, is scheduled to contain two Tests and five T20Is.
The impact of COVID-19 in itself jolted cricket boards around the world badly and now, the stripping of the official status of the South African team may make things worse, not just for CWI, but many other cricket authorities in the world too.
