Cricket South Africa left sponsor-less after Standard Bank pulls out

 

Cricket South Africa (CSA), who is dealing with a number of issues right from performances on the field to administrative changes to retirement of international guns or their move to become Kolpak players, received another jolt after Standard Bank, their principal sponsors, confirmed that they will not renew their contract with CSA once the deal ends on April 30 2020.

This crisis follows the one earlier this week after the CSA revoked and then reinstated the accreditation of five cricket journalists. Five board members resigned as well from the council, making matters worse for the federation.

Group chief marketing and communication officer of Standard Bank Thulani Sibeko stated that the decision to not continue as the sponsors were taken due to the governance issues at the CSA, and was a decision not taken in haste because the national cricket team is an asset that is valued all over the country.

Standard Bank is committed to upholding the highest levels of leadership‚ integrity and governance. In light of recent developments at CSA‚ which are a culmination of long-standing problems which have damaged Standard Bank’s reputation‚ it has decided not to renew its partnership with CSA‚” Sibeko said.

The bank sponsored the Proteas and CSA development program through the regional performance centers for a number of years and said they are immensely proud of the milestones they reached.

“We wish the national cricket team well in the years ahead. The Test‚ ODI and T20 teams have made South Africans immensely proud over the years and we are grateful to have been a part of their journey.

“Standard Bank considers it appropriate and fair to give CSA adequate notice so that it may explore alternative sponsorships to replace Standard Bank‚” said Sibeko.

Trouble started for the team ever since AB de Villiers retired suddenly from international cricket, though he was plying his trade in league cricket. With just a year to go for the World Cup, his decision to walk away left the team reeling.

The results were seen in the World Cup this year, when the Proteas pitched in with a dismal showing. Midway through the tournament, de Villiers claimed that he could return to play for South Africa again to help the sinking ship in the World Cup, following which de Villiers was criticized for being selfish.

The World Cup campaign caused a few repercussions as well, with players like Hashim Amla retiring from the game.

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