In a series of events over an unprecedented short space of time Cricket South Africa’s governance has been rocked to the very core, and the rebuild starts now, writes Alasdair Fraser.

You could be forgiven for thinking this is a T20 match given the speed in which the entire CSA board handed in their resignations.

The truth will eventually be out, but given the parameters that Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa gave CSA to get their house in order before getting involved at the close of business on 27 October, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to guess it’s the golden carrot of England, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka touring our shores that played a role in those resignations. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen no real, sustainable income on all levels. Without tours, CSA lose valuable revenue at an alarming rate – money they don’t even have. The harsh lockdown has meant no international competition, which is a hark back to the dark days of sporting isolation. Due to lockdown restrictions, the SA government has the final say as to whether the Proteas play international cricket.

The very real threat of being banned by the ICC – like Zimbabwe – would have been the hammer blow to our Protea Fire. A lot has happened since last year. We’ve seen a change in coaching structures and the rebuilding of our national side. We need this to happen in the boardroom too, and it appears that the wheel is turning.

Let’s not forget that CSA is a non-profit entity, and subject to the corporate governance, disclosure and other legal requirements of the Companies Act. The Board’s job was to adhere to a framework of sound corporate governance structures and processes to achieve responsible and sustainable growth in cricket, while all in the interests of all stakeholders (fans, sponsors, broadcast media, franchises etc).

There has been no responsible and sustainable growth. The interests of its stakeholders has alarmingly been ignored. We’ve seen sponsors pull out, money being allegedly misused, and most importantly the fans have been the biggest loser in this sordid tale. 

It’s time for the highest decision-making body at CSA – the Members Council – which sets the general policy for cricket in South Africa, to get the ball rolling and get the right people who are qualified and have cricket’s best interests at heart.  

The Members Council, as custodians and beneficiaries of the game, are required to establish and monitor the vision of CSA to ensure its constitution and organisation remains pertinent to the ever-changing socio-economic environment of the game. If there was ever a better time make good on your promise as set above, now is the time.

One of the key responsibilities of the now-dissolved board was to ‘oversee the creation of value in pursuit of growth for all stakeholders of the game’ – stakeholders include the fans, players and commercial partners. They have failed us miserably.

But it shouldn’t be all doom and gloom. It appears that we are reaching a light at the end of the tunnel. International cricket will make a welcome return and South African cricket, as a product, is still very strong. Our players are sizzling in the IPL, and there is no doubt that England’s clash with the Proteas will be the high-end product fans are crying out for.

CSA needs to get that blend of former players, selfless administrators and successful business-minded people back in the boardroom to formulate the right path and solutions to ensure sustainability, accountably and transparency keeps our game thriving over the next decade.

We have the people to do that. Dave Richardson served the ICC well and was a highly respected CEO during his tenure. Something must be done to rope in the former Proteas wicketkeeper. But there are others and we wait with great anticipation that our game will indeed be saved.  

Don’t forget that in March 2018, the mighty Australians were in their darkest hour. The damage done during the blatant ball-tampering scandal was massive. People resigned and heads rolled. The popular opinion was that it would take Australia years to recover yet they pulled themselves out of the mud to live another glorious day. We can do the same – if not better.