Cricket fans are understandably disappointed at not being able to attend the forthcoming Test and ODI series against India. The decision was necessitated by the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, and the fourth wave that the country is grappling with.
The India series has generated huge interest across the country (and globally), with fans eager to get a blow-by-blow account of their favourite sport. With not being able to be at the stadiums cricket fans will be relying on broadcasters to enjoy the live action. In addition to television broadcasts fans are drawn to the unique perspectives provided by the ball-by-ball commentary on Radio 2000, SABC’s flagship sports radio platform.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) therefore urges the Board and executive management at the SABC to reconsider their position, and to provide radio broadcast and commentary on the series. This will be in fulfilment of the its public broadcasting mandate and serve the needs of millions of South African cricket fans. It is worth highlighting that many thousands of blind cricket fans are totally reliant on radio commentary to enjoy their favourite sport. This deprives those fans of their enjoyment of the game.
CSA is hopeful that through the radio broadcast, fans will get to rally behind the Proteas as they take on India in an historic encounter, which also marks the 30th Anniversary of friendship between CSA and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Name of Author: Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) governs cricket in South Africa. Formed in 2002, it succeeded the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) and became the sole governing body in 2008. CSA oversees all levels of cricket, including national teams for men and women, and is a full ICC member and SASCOC affiliate.
