The title of this post may come across in a harsh manner. However, let’s look at the microenvironment of Cricket South Africa, writes cricket fanatic, Ravi Reddy.

Very recently, we saw the departure of multiple officials from cricket SA by means of suspension. These notable omissions include the likes of Corrie van Zyl, the interim Director of Cricket SA.

Apart from the blatant in-fighting and enquiries taking effect from opposition player committees, the country will commence its 2nd edition of the Mzansi Super League on 8 November.

We have a number of commendable international inclusions in the MSL, namely Moeen Ali, Wahab Riaz, Jason Roy and of course, the universal boss, Chris Gayle.

However, part of my disdain for the tournament comes from the fact that individuals such as Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, or Dwayne Bravo are not part of the proceedings.

While I understand that these individuals will come at a great cost, our current tournament is still not representative of what is observed in many global T20 traditions we have come to admire.

The Indian Premier League is the mecca of all global franchise T20 cricket, with Australia’s “Big bash League” coming in 2nd place. 

According to Dean Jones (former Aussie Batsman and commentator), the BBL salary cap is at $1.77 million with an extra $170,000 to spend on marketing.

Each BBL franchise has 18 players on contract, with payments ranging from $34,000 to as much as $210,000.

In the IPL, the total player’s salary must not exceed 85 crores (potentially 87 crores in December 2019).

According to CSA’s financial report in April 2019, the organisation incurred a loss of R200,015.

In terms of revenue, CSA obtained a fraction of what was earned in the 2017/18 financial year (R1,486,533)  for professional cricket, at a staggering R899,130. 

There are bleak times ahead for Cricket SA, which may see a number of incredible talents pursuing opportunities globally.

The challenge of the MSL is that while it is operating as a global tournament of epic scales, it is still acting as a glorified version of the “Ram Slam” and “CSA T20” series. 

Here is my rationale:

  • This tournament is charging meagre ticket prices. A reminder, CSA incurred a loss of R200,000
  •  The MSL obtained Tier 2 talent (inconsistent performers) at best, that may provide a competitive edge overall
  • Leadership for various franchise teams has been awarded to individuals that sparked some level of debate. For instance, Heinrich Klaasen takes the reigns of the Tshwane Spartans. Quinton de Kock will do the same for the Cape Town Blitz
  • Player recruitment was highly disappointing. Franchises are still looking at the likes of Robbie Frylinck and Farhaan Behardien. On a local scale, I would have expected a greater emergence of former SA U19 players from 2014 onwards.
  • On an international front, Hayden Walsh Jnr. blew up the Carribean Premier League tournament and aided the Barbados Tridents in lifting the trophy this year. A notable absentee. 

While the MSL is a major improvement in terms of local franchise T20 cricket, the talent pool is limited (the presence of SA youth equally so), leadership is questionable and benefits to the SA men’s T20 team appears to be minimal at best. 

Nevertheless, I will be visiting the Wanderers Stadium with the hopes of catching Tabraiz Shamsi taking the wicket of Chris Gayle (mainly to watch him answer his cellphone via his right cricket boot).

Peace, Love and Cricket

Follow Ravi “The Heavy Roller” Reddy on Twitter.

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