CSA rocked by allegations of non-payment of MSL players

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have received a formal complaint over the non-payment of match fees to unnamed players related to 2018 Mzansi Super League contracts.

In response, CSA CEO Thabang Moroe announced the suspension of staff members revealed to be Interim Director of Cricket Corrie van Zyl, Chief Operating Officer Naasei Appiah and Commercial Manager Clive Eksteen.

The South African Cricketer’s Association (SACA) levelled charges of dereliction of duty at CSA employees, presumed to be the three suspended parties.

“The Board and Management of Cricket South Africa (CSA) has recently become aware of an unfortunate situation involving players and player contracts, through player intermediary, the South African Cricketers Association (SACA) in which speculation and indeed allegations of dereliction were levelled against CSA, following alleged non-payment of player fees, stemming from the Mzansi Super League arrangement, in 2018.” a press release from Cricket South Africa reads.

“CSA is in the process of investigating this matter to determine the extent to which certain CSA employees were or were not derelict in fulfilling their duties. This is in line with the effort of ensuring that the principle of accountability is applied equally, fairly and without fear or favour throughout the organization.”

ESPNcricinfo independently confirmed the identity of the trio of suspended staff, who were not named by CSA. The suspended staff members will not return to duty until the investigation has been complete and could face disciplinary action should the probe uncover wrongdoing or negligence on their part.

CSA claim to have resolved the issue as far as payment is concerned as soon as they were made aware that certain individuals had not received match fees. The amount is said to be in the region of R2.4-million.

The cricket administrators have moved to reassure stakeholders that their organization adheres to ethical business practices.

“CSA wants to reassure all cricket fans and all cricket stakeholders that our organisation and indeed our staff adhere to the highest ethical standards in all our dealings and that consistency and accountability remains uppermost in all our processes and procedures,” said Moroe in a statement issued by CSA.

“It is our expectation that all our staff members, including third-party stakeholders who are associated with the CSA brand should protect the reputation of CSA and the sport of cricket at all times.”

Cricket South Africa also face legal challenges from SACA and the WPCA in seperate grievances. SACA have taken the body to court for failing to consult the player’s union before deciding to restructure domestic cricket. The Western Province Cricket Association have launched a legal challenge against CSA’s decision to suspend the board and apppoint and administrator.