The Solidarity Cup will take place after the new date for the tournament has been approved by the Minister of Sport.

The new date is on Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July 2020) as the revised date for the 3TCricket match presented by RAIN where three teams of eight will play in a single match, competing for the inaugural Solidarity Cup.

The news comes after return to practice and play approval was granted by the Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, the Honourable Nathi Mthethwa last week Friday (26 June 2020).

The match details remain the same with SuperSport Park as the hosting venue and the starting time being 11:00 (SAST). The match will also still be broadcast live on SuperSport 2, with the team sheets not undergoing any changes. 

The three teams competing for the Solidarity Cup are the Eagles captained by AB de Villiers and sponsored by Takealot, Kingfishers captained by Kagiso Rabada and sponsored by OUTsurance and the Kites captained by Quinton de Kock and sponsored by Mr D Food. 

“It’s very exciting to get live cricket, featuring our top players, back on our TV screens again,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive Dr. Jacques Faul. “I can’t think of a more appropriate day on which to hold this game than Nelson Mandela Day when its prime objective is to raise funds for those who have been badly affected by the Corona virus.

“It is still nearly three weeks away, so it also gives our players more time to prepare properly and to minimise the chance of injuries.

“I would like to thank the Government and our own medical team once again for everything they have done to make a return to training and playing possible and I would also like to add special thanks to the incredible sponsors involved in this event for their continued commitment towards the match and its beneficiary, the Hardship Fund,” concluded Dr. Faul.

“The Solidarity Cup will provide a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the message behind our Citizens In Solidarity campaign,” said Nomkhita Nqweni, interim CEO of the Solidarity Fund. 

“This message is to reinforce all the very necessary, appropriate behaviours in the time of this pandemic and also, to remind all of South Africa of our ability to work together, to find unique solutions in a time of crisis.”