November 08 Friday 2002
SA cricketers concerned over dispute

JOHANNESBURG: The South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) is concerned at the effect that current dispute between Minister of Sport and Recreation and United Cricket Board may have on morale of national players and focus on cricketing and player issues at a critical time in lead up to World Cup. 

"We have deliberately attempted to stay out of the public fray to date because it has been heated and quite political," said Tony Irish, Chief Executive of SACA in a statement. "We see little value for players in the Association getting involved in any public exchange but we will not hesitate to involve ourselves to protect player interests if they actually become affected by this dispute". "SACA considers statements attributed to the Minister to be of concern and believes that this concern was adequately expressed by Shaun Pollock at the weekend when he said he hoped the Minister was there for all sportsmen in South Africa," the statement continued. 

"It is general view of players that UCB's transformation policy to date has been successful. SACA appeals to the Minister and UCB to urgently resolve their differences."