A fundamental change in the structure of South Africa’s domestic cricket competitions may sound like an administrative story unlikely to attract the interest of the majority of the game’s followers. But for those closest to it, the changes are dramatic. And for those on the periphery, positive results could become happily obvious in the years to come.
For the last 15 years the 11 major provinces have endured an uncomfortable coupling relationship sharing a made-up, meaningless name and logo which sacrificed the independence and history of each province.
There was method in the madness: The ‘Strength vs Strength’ theory was designed to ensure that the best players in the country rose to the top and played against each other, increasing the intensity of the competition and making the Proteas as strong as they could be.
It was fraught with problems. Inter-Provincial cricket continued in a ‘semi-professional’ capacity as a way of mollifying the unions which were understandably outraged that their heritage was being stripped away for the ‘greater good.’
Border, Griquas and Boland have contributed enough to the greater good of South African cricket for over a century and deserved better than to be given a back-handed slap into the nether regions of the game. Easterns, who won the first-class Supersport Series 18 seasons ago, and North-West could say the same.
The compromise was destined to fail, and duly has. Instead of replacing provincial cricket, the Franchise system limped along on a vaguely parallel course. In another compromise, provincial cricket also retained its first-class status. In truth, it was ‘first-class’ in name only. Those involved in the provincial second tier always felt ‘second-class.’
Now the original 11 provinces will be re-united in the same competition, albeit in two divisions, eight in the first and seven in the second. The four ‘new’ unions are South Western Districts, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KZN Inland. Automatic promotion and relegation each season provides motivation to push for higher honours and recognition. The move between divisions will be decided across all three formats making it less likely that one of the ‘big five’ unions will be relegated. Ambitious and successful young players in division two will be available for transfer to first division clubs.
The Provincial unions will have to fight for their financial survival rather than rely on annual handouts from CSA. But they can now re-approach small sponsors with strong affiliations to their local provinces who were dissuaded by the Franchise affiliation.
The chutney and dried fruit maker, Wellington, was a loyal supporter of Boland Cricket, but the affiliation with Western Province removed the special, geographical resonance and relationship. Cities like Benoni, Potchefstroom and Kimberley can now reignite relationships with businesses specific to their regions. There won’t be any big money deals, but in hard times every cent counts.
Around 70 professional cricketers will lose their contracts and current means to live. Some will be young, aspirant players with great ambitions. Many others, however, will be 30+ years of age with no prospects of playing beyond provincial level. They love the game and the livelihood it provides them. But now, the game can no longer afford them. It is time for them to give up the dream and re-enter the real world. Harsh but true.
A 15-team first-class structure provides more opportunities for players to build careers, but it will also be more ruthless. There will be no ‘second level’ to drop down to, as was the case previously. The eight provinces in the top division will have budget for 16 players but the seven provinces in the lower division will have to operate with professional, paid squads of just 11 which will regenerate the intensity of club cricket with ambitious, high-performing amateurs just an injury or two away from a first-class call-up.
Although it is right and fair that the provincial unions have a share of the central revenue from CSA, they must be able to self-support. The days of total financial dependence on CSA must come to an end. One of the causes of CSA’s current financial crisis is the R200 million it has lent the provinces in recent years with little realistic prospect of repayment.
It is unlikely that all 15 unions will be able to survive but it is not necessarily the smallest which will fail. The bigger, ‘traditional’ provinces have the highest costs and the greatest need for sponsorship. It is easier for a thin man to tighten his belt than a fat man.
For 15 years the smaller unions have been battling to have their players recognised as the six large unions dominated the Franchise they supposedly shared. There is no reason the six divorces, approved by the CSA Interim Board last week, should not be amicable. After a decade and a half of resentment, everybody will now have their own seat at the same table with their own performances determining how close to the top they sit.
The SA Cricketers Association (SACA) was involved throughout the process which was chaired by former SA player and ICC chief executive, David Richardson: “The players respect CSA’s right to make changes and they complied with their obligation to discuss and consult with us,” said SACA CEO, Andrew Breetzke. “There was a lot of honest and robust dialogue. Now the focus is on implementation of the changes, which will not be easy.”
Goodbye franchise cricket, well-intentioned but stubbornly unlovable. Welcome back provincial cricket.
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Thank you again, Neil for a good read! I am delighted to see that KZN Inland is amongst the Provinces. There is so much talent on the Midlands with all the great schools in the district as well as the Hub teams. Let's hope the new Provincial setup will encourage players from the region to remain here and grow with the Union. Cheers.