Cricket South Africa (CSA) received approval for return to practice and play from Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, the Honourable Nathi Mthethwa last Friday June 28.
The permission has now enabled CSA to reschedule its unique three-team cricket match, 3TCricket match, Solidarity Cup to International Nelson Mandela Day July 18.
The 3TCricket match, which was originally scheduled to be played on June 27, could not be held as scheduled after CSA failed to secure permission from the government amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier on Monday, CSA had announced the return of its high performance training squad to training after a break on play due to COVID-19 since March 15.
Exciting to get live cricket
CSA Acting Chief Executive Dr. Jacques Faul expressed his excitement on the possibility of live cricket.
“It’s very exciting to get live cricket, featuring our top players, back on our TV screens again.
“I can’t think of a more appropriate day on which to hold this game than Nelson Mandela Day when its prime objective is to raise funds for those who have been badly affected by the Corona virus,” Dr. Faul was quoted in the official press release by CSA.
“It is still nearly three weeks away, so it also gives our players more time to prepare properly and to minimise the chance of injuries.
CSA seeks to give its players an opportunity to be back on the field and also raise funds for charity through its unique where three teams of eight each will play in a single match of 36 overs. Dr. Faul thanked the government for making a return to training and playing possible.
“I would like to thank the Government and our own medical team once again for everything they have done to make a return to training and playing possible and I would also like to add special thanks to the incredible sponsors involved in this event for their continued commitment towards the match and its beneficiary, the Hardship Fund,”
concluded Dr. Faul
The three teams competing for the Solidarity Cup are the Eagles captained by AB de, Kingfishers captained by Kagiso Rabada and the Kites captained by Quinton de Kock. The official announcement confirmed that venue, teams and broadcasters for the match will remain the same.
Teams for 3TCricket match Solidarity Cup
KG’s Kingfishers: Kagiso Rabada (captain), Faf du Plessis, Chris Morris, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Heinrich Klaasen, Glenton Stuurman.
Quinny’s Kites: Quinton de Kock (captain), David Miller, Temba Bavuma, Anrich Nortje, Dwayne Pretorius, Beuran Hendricks, JJ Smuts, Lutho Sipamla.
AB’s Eagles: AB de Villiers (captain), Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Andile, Phehlukwayo, Rassie van der Dussen, Junior Dala, Kyle Verreynne, Sisanda Magala.
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