Hope holds firm as West Indies drag New Zealand into fifth-day battle

A four-day defeat loomed until Greaves and Hope dug in to give West Indies some hope against New Zealand’s tired attack

Shashank Kishore05-Dec-2025A depleted New Zealand attack – effectively reduced to just two-and-a-half frontline bowlers – was made to toil as a defiant West Indies rearguard stretched the contest into a fifth day on an increasingly docile Hagley Oval surface.Forced off the field on day three by an eye infection, Shai Hope returned with sunglasses under his helmet to compile an unbeaten 116. It followed his first-innings 56 and marked his second century in three innings, a seamless extension of the defiance he showed while stonewalling India for long periods in New Delhi in October.If Hope was the fulcrum, Justin Greaves was the anchor beside him. He reined in his instincts to play a composed, almost uncharacteristically restrained hand to finish 55 not out off 143 balls. His unbroken fifth-wicket partnership with Hope was worth 140 as New Zealand’s attack toiled under the blazing Christchurch sun.Related

Blundell, Smith, Henry sustain injuries in Christchurch; Jamieson returns to Plunket Shield

Nathan Smith did not come out to bat and spent the entire innings off the field with a side strain. When Matt Henry left the field after the 35th over – later heading to hospital next door for scans – with West Indies 92 for 4, New Zealand may have hoped to finish off the game quickly.But with his bowling resources rapidly thinning, Tom Latham – already standing in with the gloves due to Tom Blundell’s torn hamstring that ruled him out of not just this Test but the next – was left to lean heavily on Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell’s part-time spin around pacer Jacob Duffy. On a surface that only got easier to bat on against the old ball, Hope and Greaves settled in and applied themselves admirably.Having begun with positive intent, Hope was tested periodically with the short ball, Duffy setting a square leg halfway to the rope along with a short leg and fine leg for the pull. Hope mostly swayed and ducked out of harm’s way, and on the rare occasions he was tempted into the shot, he did well to keep it down. He brought up his fourth Test century off 139 deliveries.Duffy employed a similar plan to Greaves, whose natural game is far more instinctive. But to his credit, Greaves appeared to take a cue from Hope, choosing restraint instead. He played only when the ball was at his body, using his height to ride the bounce and fend safely. While he was a lot more enterprising against spin, the fundamental of his knock was crease occupation.Justin Greaves played a composed knock of 55 not out off 143 balls•Getty ImagesHope and Greaves laid down the template for those who perished prior to their arrival. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and John Campbell were put through a stern new ball test by Foulkes and Henry as they repeatedly tested both their edges in an engaging first spell. Chanderpaul’s propensity to shuffle across got him into trouble more often than not, and was out to a short ball that he inside-edged to the keeper for 6 off 45 balls.Campbell – out an over earlier – was taken out by Foulkes as he jabbed at an away-swinger with no feet movement as Bracewell took a superb low catch at second slip. In the overs prior to his dismissal, Campbell wore a blow on his boot as he smashed one back off an inside-edge, making him groan in discomfort. This may have eventually had a hand in his dismissal.Alick Athanaze never got going, and the frustration of being unable to score had him attempt a pull, only to be rushed into the stroke by Bracewell. He only managed to toe-end a pull to mid-on. And when Roston Chase fell in eerily similar fashion to his dismissal in the first innings – nibbling at a Henry away-swinger while being rooted to the crease – West Indies were collapsing swiftly and were 72 for 4.A four-day defeat loomed until Greaves and Hope dug in to give West Indies some hope even as New Zealand’s tired attack wheeled away in the hope of a mistake. That wasn’t to come, as West Indies took the fight into the final day even though hopes of scaling down the 531-run target they were set seem just a pipe dream for now.Earlier in the morning, New Zealand surprised many by choosing to bat on. Perhaps this was to give their bowlers more rest on a placid surface, considering the slew of injuries. Kemar Roach picked up three of the four wickets to fall, finishing with figures of 5 for 78 to take his wickets tally to 290.

Sabrina Ionescu Makes Special New York Liberty History on Thursday Night

As Sabrina Ionescu tried to help the New York Liberty stay undefeated in the regular season and win their second Commissioner's Cup game, she set a franchise record along the way.

She entered Thursday night's game against the Washington Mystics at 399 career three-pointers—one short of a milestone three that would also tie her for the most in Liberty history. Two minutes into the game, she made the 400th three-point field goal of her career, tying Crystal Robinson for the most in a Liberty uniform. Four minutes later, she broke the tie on a fast break off a dish from Natasha Cloud.

Here are both record-setting treys in order:

Robinson's record has stood for 20 years—she played for the Liberty from 1999 to '05. New York is one of just three original WNBA franchises (Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury) that remain active in their original location.

According to the team, Ionescu also became the fastest player in WNBA history to make 400 three-pointers. She reached the feat in her 151st career game, beating the record previously set by the league's all-time leading scorer Diana Taurasi by seven games.

Through seven games this season, Ionescu is averaging 17.9 points, 4.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting 35.7% from three on eight attempts each contest. Now, she can widen the gap as the Liberty's leading three-point shooter.

Liverpool now preparing move to sign Guehi alternative in PSG star compared to Gabriel

With a growing centre-back problem, Liverpool are now reportedly preparing a 2026 move to sign a defender worth over £55m, and he’s been compared to star Arsenal colossus Gabriel.

Liverpool's centre-back problem

The Reds entered the current campaign with a plethora of attacking options.

Arne Slot has been spoiled for choice, with Hugo Ekitiké, record signing Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and others all vying for a starting place. But the same can’t be said for his back four.

The Dutchman has already been forced to play Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, in a decision that has unexpectedly proven effective, and may yet have to turn towards an auxiliary centre-back.

Big Salah upgrade: Liverpool prepare £86m bid for "one of the world's best"

Liverpool’s legendary goalscorer is showing signs of a decline this season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 11, 2025

After Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury, Liverpool have just three senior centre-backs to turn to. One of them is Joe Gomez, who Slot just snubbed to play Ryan Gravenberch in the role against Chelsea when Konate was forced off through injury. So, to put it simply, the Reds may be in the midst of another defensive crisis.

Of course, the arrival of Marc Guehi was meant to solve that problem, until Crystal Palace pulled the plug on his Anfield switch in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Now, with the race wide open for his signature, and Guehi leaning towards Real Madrid, Liverpool may be forced to turn towards other options.

This has already seen a number of names emerge as potential candidates ahead of next summer, when Konate is still scheduled to leave as a free agent with his contract yet to be sorted.

It’s a problem that Richard Hughes must solve and the arrival of one Paris Saint-Germain star would do exactly that in 2026.

Liverpool preparing Pacho move

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now preparing a move to sign Willian Pacho from PSG in 2026, if they fail to sign Guehi, with Hughes and the Merseysiders recruitment team viewing Luis Enrique’s man as an alternative.

The central defender is valued at €65m (£57m) and is one of the most impressive rising stars in his position as a Champions League winner at just 23-years-old.

Whether he’s the main man in PSG’s backline is another question, however. The Ecuador international has started just three of his side’s seven Ligue 1 games so far this season, but both of their Champions League clashes against Atalanta and Barcelona in a mixed start to the campaign.

Minutes

2,132

2,560

Progressive Passes

53

115

Tackles Won

32

26

Ball Recoveries

119

98

When compared to Konate last season, Pacho’s work out of possession stands out the most. Although he must work on progressing play in possession, the South American’s ball recovery rate would hand Liverpool another imperious figure next to Virgil van Dijk next year.

Also dubbed the “baby Gabriel” by analyst Ben Mattinson, PSG’s utility man is certainly someone with a lot of fans in European football.

Whether Liverpool can lure him away from the European champions remains to be seen, however.

BCB 'refutes' allegations of physical abuse against Nigar Sultana

Jahanara Alam, who has not played international cricket since December 2024, claimed that the Bangladesh women’s captain “beats up” her team-mates

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Nov-2025The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said it “strongly refutes” allegations of physical abuse made by fast bowler Jahanara Alam against the current national women’s team captain Nigar Sultana.Alam, who has not played international cricket since December 2024, claimed that Sultana “beat up” her team-mates in an interview with Bangladesh newspaper .”The BCB categorically and strongly refutes these allegations, which are baseless, fabricated and devoid of any truth,” the board said in a statement. “The Board finds it unfortunate that such derogatory and scandalous claims have been made at a time when the Bangladesh Women’s Team is showing commendable progress and unity on the international stage.”The Board believes that the timing and nature of these comments are deliberate, ill-intentioned and seemingly aimed at undermining the spirit and confidence of a team that continues to represent the country with pride. It is deeply disappointing that an individual who currently has no involvement or relevance in the plans of Bangladesh cricket has chosen to make such misleading statements in public.””The BCB wishes to make it clear that it has complete trust and confidence in the Women’s National Team’s leadership, players and management. The Board has found no evidence to support any of the claims made and stands firmly behind the team and its personnel.”Bangladesh had finished seventh out of eight teams in the recent Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Their only victory came against Pakistan but they ran England, South Africa and Sri Lanka close.

South Africa smash England's World Cup six-hitting record

The best batting team of the tournament posts another 350-plus total in the World Cup

Sampath Bandarupalli01-Nov-202382 Sixes hit by South Africa in seven matches in this tournament, the most by a team in a men’s ODI World Cup. They surpassed England’s 76 sixes in 11 matches in the 2019 World Cup.10.2 Sixes per ODI by South Africa in 2023, the best hit-rate for a team in a year (min: 100 sixes). They have hit 194 sixes in 19 ODIs this year, the second most in ODIs, behind the 209 by West Indies in 28 matches in 2019.8 Consecutive 300-plus totals by South Africa while batting first in ODIs. It is the longest streak in men’s ODIs, bettering the seven by Australia in 2007 and England in 2019.ESPNcricinfo Ltd4 South Africa’s 350-plus totals in this tournament, the most in a men’s ODI World Cup. They now have nine totals of 350-plus runs in all World Cups, which is the joint highest alongside Australia.4 Quinton de Kock’s hundreds in this tournament. He is only the third batter with four or more centuries in a ODI World Cup, after Kumar Sangakkara (four in 2015) and Rohit Sharma (five in 2019).545 Runs by de Kock in this World Cup, the first batter to score 500-plus in a men’s ODI World Cup for South Africa, surpassing Jacques Kallis’ 485 in 2007. His tally is also the highest for a wicketkeeper in an ODI World Cup, overtaking Sangakkara’s 541 in 2015.2 Double-century stands between de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen in this tournament. They are only the second pair with two partnerships of 200-plus runs in the men’s ODI World Cup, after Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga.ESPNcricinfo Ltd8 Hundreds by South African batters in this World Cup – de Kock (4), van der Dussen (2), Aiden Markram (1) and Heinrich Klaasen (1). These are the joint-most hundreds for a team in a men’s ODI World Cup, level with Sri Lanka’s eight in 2015.357 for 4 South Africa’s total in Pune is their highest in men’s ODIs against New Zealand, surpassing the 324 for 4 in 2000 in Centurion.1999 The last instance of South Africa winning a World Cup game against New Zealand before their 190-run win in Pune on Wednesday. From 2003 to 2019, they lost all five matches against New Zealand at the World Cup.190 The margin of New Zealand’s defeat is their second-biggest at the World Cup. Their worst defeat is by 215 runs against Australia in 2007.ESPNcricinfo Ltd9 Number of ODIs won by South Africa in 2023 by 100 or more runs, the most such wins for any team in a calendar year, surpassing the eight by Pakistan in 1999. South Africa have won by 100-plus runs margin in each of their last eight ODIs where they batted first.

£18 million?! Wrexham receive HUGE financial support from Welsh taxpayers despite Hollywood backing by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Wrexham, owned by Hollywood icons Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have been boosted by a public grant from the government of Wales worth an astonishing £18 million. The funding is set to help the club in their ambitions to rebuild StoK Cae Ras into a world-class arena that meets UEFA's stadium requirements, with the goal of hosting prominent international fixtures in the future.

Wrexham received hefty public grant from Welsh government

Wrexham have received nearly £18 million (€21m/$25m) in non-repayable public grants from the Welsh government – far more than any other football club in Britain, according to UK government state-aid disclosures. Local officials had previously said that Wrexham would get a "substantial amount" of a £25m (€29m/$34m) Welsh government grant earmarked for redeveloping the area around Wrexham General train station, which sits adjacent the Racecourse Ground. What hadn’t been made public until now is that the club itself would receive the majority of that funding directly.

The club, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has also enjoyed a surge in commercial success. Their involvement has helped secure major sponsorships from global giants such as Meta, United Airlines, and TikTok. The public grant will only strengthen their already healthy financial situation.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA positive step towards Wrexham's bid to meet £350m valuation

Back in June, reported that owners Reynolds and McElhenney were considering selling a minority stake in a valuation of the club at £350m (€400m/$475m), having bought for just£2m in 2021. Earlier this year, Wrexham hit the £100m valuation mark following a 15 per cent stake acquisition by New York's Allyn family. More investors are being sought according to the report, with internal talks having taken place already. The Welsh government grant will further strengthen the owners' bid to transform Wrexham into the most expensive club in the Championship and solidify their push to achieve a record-breaking fourth-successive promotion, which will take them to the Premier League. 

"This looks like an £18m nonrepayable subsidy to a privately owned business now flirting with a £350m valuation. Its existing owners are US-based and very wealthy and liquid private individuals," said Stefan Borson, a football finance expert who works as the head of sport at the McCarthy Denning law firm.

"The club, and its owners, will benefit from the stand for the next 50 years, yet at no point would the taxpayer be repaid or directly profit from the club’s rise. The current ownership have put Wrexham on the global map but it is hard to understand why funding this stand in this way would be a priority for the government.

"So many. I don't want to say to the world that I'm the best because there’s no truth to that. In my mind, I'm the best version of myself, if you know what I mean? It's different when you say you are the best in the world to the world. 'There are so many good players in my position. I'm doing my best. But I need to show more because I feel like I can do more. With goals, with assists, I can feel it.'"

Wrexham's StoK Cae Ras ambitions

Reynolds and McElhenney have reiterated their desire and ambition to convert StoK Cae Ras – the oldest international football stadium on the planet – into a world class venue. "We have a plan in place right now that would eventually work from stand to stand, so eventually you get all four sides. It's hard to say for sure, butwe think we could get between 45,000 and 55,000 people in there," McElhenney told last year.

With the renovation of the Kop Stand, the capacity will exceed 12,000. When that happens, it will comply with UEFA stadium requirements, having already been selected as one of the venues when Wales hosts next year's European Under-19 Championship. What's more, the Racecourse Ground has also been included in UK's official bid to host the 2035 Women's World Cup.

A council spokesperson said: "The Racecourse is an important cultural and heritage asset for the city of Wrexham and we are obviously keen to protect it for the future.

"Utilising grant funding from Welsh government, the council have provided funding to the football club to enable the redevelopment plans to be enhanced to a standard to enable international matches to be hosted in Wrexham once again."

A Wrexham spokesperson added: "The impact of these improvements, and the ability to host international sporting events in north Wales, will create both a catalyst for local job creation and provide an overall economic uplift to the region due to the increased number of visitors attracted to the events and their economic activity while they are in the area."

Meanwhile, the Welsh government is certain that the funding "will make the crucial difference between the club satisfying league requirements and meeting the more demanding international fixture standards," adding that, consequently, StoK Cae Ras "can host competitive international football at the world's oldest international stadium, boosting the local economy and delivering a fitting landmark for Wrexham."

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Getty Images SportWrexham pushing for Championship playoff spot

Phil Parkinson's men enjoyed an excellent November, going unbeaten in England's second tier after a difficult start to the season at the club's highest level in over 40 years. Their last defeat came over a month ago against Stoke City, and since then they’ve put together a strong run of form, remaining undefeated and collecting 15 from a possible 21 points. 

They find themselves in 10th position on the league table, just two points behind sixth-placed Ipswich Town. If they can now find a bit of long-term consistency, Wrexham will fancy their chances of securing a promotion playoff spot, which would put them on the brink of the Premier League.

West Ham planning move for £15.5m forward after hearing club need to sell

West Ham United are planning a move to sign a "very quick" forward, with his club now deciding they may need to sell this summer.

West Ham set sights on new attacker and defender

Hammers technical director Tim Steidten's planning for the transfer window is reportedly well underway already, and it is believed the German has a few key transfer targets already.

West Ham make approach to sign defender tipped to become "one of the best"

The Hammers want to bolster their backline.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 28, 2024

West Ham are keen to strengthen in both attack and defence, with Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo apparently turning heads at the club as his Craven Cottage contract ticks down to expiry.

The Englishman could be available for free this summer, amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma. Both of manager David Moyes' starting centre-backs are being linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, with Aguerd in particular displaying real inconsistency throughout 2023/2024.

The Morocco international has been prone to errors this season, potentially leading to West Ham setting their sights on fresh faces to bolster their back line. Juventus starlet Dean Huijsen is another defender linked with a West Ham move, according to recent reports.

Further forward, West Ham are in need of more quality attacking options, and they've sensationally been plunged into the race for Brentford striker Ivan Toney lately.

Jarrod Bowen

14

Mohammed Kudus

6

Tomas Soucek

6

James Ward-Prowse

5

Lucas Paqueta

3

The England international is set to be a sought-after name this summer, having scored 20 league goals last season and with his contract expiring just next year.

He is still likely to command a significant fee, though, and it is perhaps prudent for West Ham to scour the market for cheaper forward options across their attacking line.

This is where their new transfer target comes in, as Football Insider report interest in Juventus starlet Samuel Illing-Junior.

West Ham planning Iling-Junior move as Juve make sale decison

The 20-year-old, a product of Chelsea's academy, has been a bit-part player under Massimilano Allegri this season, but the Irons could offer him an escape route.

Pete O'Rourke writes for FI that West Ham are plotting a move for Iling-Junior as Juventus concede they may need to sell this summer, as his deal expires in 2025 and the Serie A heavyweights have little time to make any back off his exit.

Juventus forwardSamuel Iling-Junior.

The winger, last rumoured to cost around £15.5 million, has been revered for his pace and even likened to AC Milan star Rafael Leao.

“Iling Junior is a very quick player, who loves to take on opposing full-backs and attack the vertical spaces, in a very direct way,” Michele Neri explained to TNT Sports.

“He is a left winger who can also play as a right winger if needed. He has a great sense for dribbling and a speed from a standing start that other Juventus players do not have. In these qualities you can absolutely see shades of Rafael Leao when the AC Milan superstar was a bit younger. The fans went crazy for him after the Benfica game where he played 20 minutes and really shone, providing an assist to Milik."

Nuno must unleash "unstoppable" Nottingham Forest talent instead of Yates

Nottingham Forest have endured an up-and-down spell under boss Nuno Espírito Santo, with the Reds still right in the middle of a relegation battle.

The former Wolves boss took over from Steve Cooper on 20th December last year, with Nuno making an instant impact, winning two of his first three Premier League games with victories against Newcastle United and Manchester United.

Those two victories were undoubtedly the peak of his time in charge so far, with the Reds' form dropping as they entered 2024.

Forest have only won one league game so far this calendar year, which came in the 2-0 home win against West Ham United back in February, with the Reds suffering back-to-back defeats since.

Nuno will be wanting a response to the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend as they travel to face Brighton this afternoon, with the Reds head coach needing to unleash one member of the Forest squad.

Why Ryan Yates should be dropped to face Brighton

Midfielder Ryan Yates came through the Forest academy, with the 26-year-old being a consistent part of the Reds' squad so far this campaign.

He took the armband for the game against Jürgen Klopp's side last weekend and brought a needed physical presence to the midfield. However, his clumsy playstyle saw him commit four fouls during the 90 minutes, with Yates often overstepping the line with his tenacious attitude.

Ryan-Yates-Nottingham-Forest

Yates failed to win a single tackle against Liverpool and was poor in possession, completing just 20 passes at a success rate of only 69%.

He's a solid player to have in games against sides who like to control possession, but with the return of one Forest player, he should make way and take his place on the substitutes' bench.

The man to replace Yates this afternoon

Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare joined the Reds in a £35m move from PSV last summer. His time at the City Ground has been a stop-start one, with Sangare having a good start, but his progress was halted with the Ivorian joining up with his nation for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

His last game for Nuno's side came in the away victory at Newcastle on Boxing Day, with the 26-year-old given extended time off after the Elephants' triumph last month. He's yet to feature since his return, with his ball-winning abilities potentially the difference in what could be yet another tough away trip for the Reds.

Ibrahim Sangare

Despite his up-and-down start to life with the Reds, Sangare has shown glimpses of what he's capable of out of possession, with the midfielder brilliant at regaining possession, as demonstrated by his tally of 3.5 tackles per 90 – ranking him within the top 4% of midfielders in Europe this season.

The "unstoppable" midfielder, as dubbed by Dutch journalist Roger Schmidt, cost the Reds a lot of money in the summer, with the Forest fanbase yet to see the best of the former Toulouse man, with the trip to Brighton a great opportunity to kickstart his career on Trentside.

'Revolving door' – Leeds legend concerned USMNT's Brenden Aaronson doesn't want to play in Championship as he predicts transfer exits & poses worrying 'character' question

Brenden Aaronson is reportedly ready to embrace a second chance at Leeds, but Danny Mills is not convinced the USMNT star wants Championship football.

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Suffered relegation out of the Premier LeagueLoaned out to Union Berlin for 2023-24 seasonReturning to England with questions being askedWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international was snapped up by fellow countryman Jesse Marsch in the summer of 2022. He registered just one goal during his debut season at Elland Road, which finished in relegation out of the Premier League.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Aaronson was among those to move on in 2023, as he linked up with Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin on loan, but is now due back in England after Copa America duty with his country. It has been suggested that the 23-year-old is ready to commit to the Whites, allowing him to win over a sceptical fan base.

WHAT MILLS SAID

Former Leeds defender Mills, speaking in association with , has told GOAL when asked if Aaronson could become a game-changer in Daniel Farke’s squad: “It’s a difficult one for Leeds. They have got all sorts of players coming in and going out. It’s a bit of a revolving door. Last season it was like ‘let’s get everybody out’, but there wasn’t too much thought as to what happens when they call come back in. It’s a difficult situation to manage within it. A lot of them will believe that they are Premier League players, or better than the Championship. How do you integrate them back into the squad? They are good players, but integrating them and getting them to believe in the Championship – when it’s Sat-Tues week in, week out – it’s never going to be easy. Players have egos, they have self belief. Daniel Farke did an incredible job at the beginning of last season to manage the revolving door and I think he might have a similar situation when it comes to this one. Until the window is closed, he is not necessarily going to know who is going to be in and who is going to be out.”

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GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Aaronson has graced the Champions League and World Cup, with Mills adding on whether he will now want to prove his worth in English football: “This is where it comes down to character. Did he want to be there last time in the Championship? It didn’t look like it did it, he was happy to get out of the door as quickly as possible. Will he want to stay and prove himself again? You have to look at the individuals and look at their character. He didn’t want to be there last time around, so why would he want to still be there now in the Championship? As a player you grow, you want to play in League One, then the Championship, then the Premier League, play as an international. To drop back when still at your peak is difficult sometimes. It needs to be a special person and character to be able to handle that.”

SACA concerned South African cricket is falling apart

The players’ body has warned of administrative ‘dysfunctionality that threatens the existence of the game in our country’

Firdose Moonda19-Aug-2020The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has issued a stern warning about the state of the game in the country and warned that its existence is under threat following the departure of the CEO and the president of Cricket South Africa (CSA). SACA has called on Chris Nenzani, who resigned as president over the weekend, to offer an explanation for stepping away three weeks before his tenure ended and for CSA to show leadership in matters relating to the suspended CEO Thabang Moroe and the season ahead.”SACA has engaged directly with players over the past few weeks, and there is a growing realisation amongst players that their careers as professional cricketers are being threatened by the very organization that should be nurturing them,” a SACA statement read.It further asked that CSA work appropriately to resolve the issues of discrimination that have come to light following Lungi Ngidi’s stance on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, and the resumption of the domestic and international season and Moroe’s disciplinary situation. Most pressingly for SACA, South Africa’s players, both men and women, have no indication of when they will return to play following the Covid-19 hiatus, both as a result of international borders being closed and because no domestic fixtures have been finalised.ALSO READ – Graeme Smith ‘shocked’ after threats on supporting Black Lives Matter movement”CSA must show leadership in dealing with the various crises facing the game; the transformation and discrimination crisis that has come to the fore over the past two months; the resumption of domestic and international cricket under COVID-19; the finalization of the disciplinary matter of the suspended CEO; the forensic investigation; and the forecast deficit which has the potential to financially cripple the game,” the statement read.Franchise teams have returned to training and there is talk of the season starting in November but there is no clarity on whether the franchise T20 tournament, the Mzansi Super League (MSL), will take place or who will lead CSA through the next few months.An Acting CEO, Kugandrie Govender, was named this morning and will hold the post until the Moroe case is finalised. Only then can CSA begin the search for a new CEO. CSA is also operating under an acting president, Beresford Williams, with a new president set to be elected at the AGM on September 5. Nenzani has undertaken to engage with the media after that but SACA CEO Andrew Breetzke would like answers from him immediately.”Mr Nenzani owes all stakeholders an immediate explanation as to why he has stood down a mere three weeks before the CSA AGM, after he had refused to do so over the previous eight-month period despite calls to do so from key stakeholders within the game,” Breetzke said. “Together with the sudden resignation of Dr Jacques Faul as acting-CEO, one can only deduce that the Board of Directors has yet again reached a level of dysfunctionality that threatens the existence of the game in our country.”SACA has consistently led calls for Nenzani and Williams to step down, following last year’s administrative meltdown and again pointed to the board as being responsible for the troubles in the game. SACA continue to point at CSA’s inability to resolve its myriad problems as being due to lack of corporate governance and warned the game may face “total collapse” if issues are not dealt with.”CSA is embroiled in destructive politics at Board and Management level. It is evident that cricket is unable to self-correct,” Omphile Ramela, SACA’s president said. ” Many of the administrative challenges confronting the game are as a result of administrators failing to adhere to principles of corporate governance. Before we see the total collapse of the game of cricket there needs to be a leadership intervention at Board and Management level that is able to stabilise and transform both the game and the business of cricket.”

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