Is South Africa's home series against England in jeopardy?
South Africa are all set to host England in a four-Test series, starting December 26 (Boxing Day). However, as per reports, the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) has warned that the players could go on a strike owing to the dismay of the cricketers with the country's governing body, Cricket South Africa (CSA). This could also have a direct effect on the upcoming series.
South African cricketers dissatisfied over CSA's current chaos
While there is dismay among South Africans with CSA, the chaos that has engulfed the governing body is most likely to put the upcoming series under threat, as the players are also looking to discuss industrial action against the board, when they meet on Friday.
SACA CEO has his say on the developments
Meanwhile, SACA CEO Tony Irish has recently said that the discussion regarding the industrial action is at the very early stage, while they would be watchful of it not affecting the upcoming England series. "We will be responsible around the international tours because we know that those affect teams from outside of South Africa," he was quoted as saying to Reuters.
Irish explains the reason behind the discussions
Meanwhile, Irish further explained the reason for the discussions, as there were breaches in agreement, while concerns were raised. However, there is no mature response from CSA, who just wants the tours to go on. "It is about protecting the game and making sure it is healthy and sustainable going forward. That is critical for the players, whose livelihoods depend on it," he added.
What are the issues SACA is currently facing with CSA?
Speaking on the issues between SACA and CSA, both are embroiled in a court battle over CSA's plans to expand the domestic structure from six to 12 teams, which could lead to players' earnings being reduced. Also, a Fantasy League product of CSA's Mzansi Super League used names and images of the players without their permission, which could have unwittingly flouted gambling rules.
Previous instances of governing body differences affecting tours
As far as previous instances regarding the same are concerned, it was in 2014 when West Indies pulled out of an ongoing India tour following a payment dispute with the WICB. Also, it was a couple of months back when Bangladesh players had mulled doing the same for the India tour, in case their demands were not fulfilled by the BCB.
Can the England series be really disrupted?
Concerning the disruption regarding the upcoming England series, while the threat looms large, the SACA and players are likely to make sure that the series is not affected, since it would also affect England in a manner. While series have been abandoned before for the same by other teams, a likely scenario could also lead to further sanctions from the ICC.
