Cricket SA credit systems for lifting of ban

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have given their redesigned systems the credit for the lifting of the ban against them bidding to host major events.

The prohibition was put in place last April as punishment for the national teams falling short of transformation targets.

On Tuesday the measure was lifted by sports minister Thulas Nxesi‚ which will allow CSA to offer South Africa as a host for the World Cup and the Champions Trophy after 2023 - when the current list of already assigned tournaments is complete.

• EPG report set to overturn ban on rugbySA Rugby is set to officially have its ban on bidding for the right to host ‘mega-events’ rescinded on Tuesday when a new report from the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Sports Transformation gives them a pass mark. 

“This is a reflection on the good work that is being done by many people at the various levels of our talent identification and development pipeline that has made it possible for our national selection panel to comfortably achieve the targets that have been set‚” CSA president Chris Nenzani said.

• SA Rugby gets 2023 Rugby World Cup bid endorsement from governmentSA Rugby will continue with its bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023 with the full endorsement of national government.  

CSA have in recent years improved and intensified the methods they use for identifying and nurturing young talent to guide players through the system more securely and efficiently.

Transformation has been a focus of those efforts.

But Nenzani warned against thinking the job was done.

• CSA 'optimistic' that EPG report will clear way to host tournamentsCricket South Africa (CSA) are “optimistic” that their prohibition on hosting major international events will be lifted when the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) release their transformation report on Tuesday. 

“Transformation remains a work in progress to make cricket a truly national sport and accessible to all‚” he said.

“There is much still to be done.”

• BCCI asked to quit stalling by cricket iconsIndia is coming under increasing pressure to name a squad for the impending Champions Trophy, with Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid joining calls for the cricket board to quit stalling. 

Rugby and netball‚ who were in a similar position to cricket‚ are also off the hook.

But athletics remains in the dogbox. - TMG Digital/TMG Sport