South African Cricketers' Association unhappy with shortened series versus India
The BCCI, after much drama, has agreed to play a two-Test, three ODI series against South Africa in December. The original itinerary had three Tests and seven ODIs but BCCI refused to agree.
The South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) has expressed its disappointment at Tuesday's joint announcement by Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming the shortening of India's tour to South Africa. "This is a huge blow not only to the players but also to the cricket loving public of South Africa," said SACA's chief executive, Tony Irish.
"Everyone is now deprived of a meaningful series, especially in the Test format between the world's top two cricket nations. I don't see how this can possibly be in the interests of either cricket in this country or of the global game. Cricket is the loser, plain and simple."
"In addition CSA will suffer massive financial losses which will affect players, cricket programmes and cricket development at all levels in our country".
"It's a very sad day when international cricket becomes more about what happens off the field than what happens on it," said Irish. "The only positive to emerge today is the stated commitment of both CSA and the BCCI to continue with good faith discussions over the possibility of agreeing further scheduled fixtures between the two teams. At very least the players and the fans of both countries deserve that and should be entitled to hold the two Boards to this commitment."
Ending weeks of speculation, BCCI finally agreed to tour South Africa after CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat was sidelined from handling matters related to Indian cricket. Lorgat and BCCI have had an acrimonious relationship for a few years now. BCCI was unhappy when South Africa named Lorgat as its CEO in July this year.