Cricket South Africa (CSA) welcomes the announcement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday that Cabinet has decided to ease several restrictions as part of Adjusted Alert Level 1.

The President said both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50 percent of their capacity provided that the criteria for entrance are proof of vaccination or a COVID test not older than 72 hours.

The amended regulation, which limited the capacity of spectators at stadiums to 2000, has been in effect since 11 October 2021.

Factors such as the decrease in the number of Covid-19 infections, as well as the take-up of vaccinations and adherence to non-pharmaceutical precautions, has paved the way for government to review and update South Africa’s lockdown level 1 restrictions.

CSA Chief Executive Officer-designate, Pholetsi Moseki said: “CSA is thrilled to receive this news, which greets us at the time when our domestic cricket is in full swing and while Bangladesh is currently on an inbound ODI and Test series tour.

“Our fans have been awaiting this moment for a long time, so they could attend stadiums and become part of the spectacle that live cricket offers. 

“We also thank our sponsors for their understanding and invite them to attend to our rallying call to Be Part Of It, as we together gear up to bring sports entertainment to our valued fans.

“As we go out to stadiums, let us do so recognising that Covid-19 is still with us. Let us vaccinate and unite in observing Covid-19 protocols.”

Welcoming the announcement, CSA Board Chairperson, Lawson Naidoo said: “This is music to our ears! We are grateful to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa for taking up our call, which we had advanced on behalf of our varied stakeholders, for the capacity at stadiums to be increased.

“The onus is now on all of us to be responsible, so we can achieve a Covid-19-free country and claim the eligibility to 100% spectator attendance at stadiums.”

While the number of spectators has been increased, CSA will comply with the vaccination mandate that no person may gain access to any cricket stadia without presentation (printed or electronically) of the Government issued “fully vaccinated” certificate. However, children under 12 years of age are exempt from this requirement. 

Limited Match Tickets are available on the Ticketpro website (www.ticketpros.co.za).