Sad that Wanderers fans lose out, says Smith
24 July 2009, 08:04
By Nazli Thomas and Stuart Hess
South African captain Graeme Smith said on Thursday he hoped cricket would return to the Wanderers soon because the fans were being hit hardest by the feuding between the administrators.
The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg has been suspended as an international venue by Cricket South Africa as part of a dispute with the host association, the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB). The GCB had levelled allegations of mismanagement of the 2009 IPL at CSA chief executive Gerald Majola, the BCCI and the tournament organisers soon after the league ended.
All three matches initially scheduled for the Wanderers against England later this season, the first Twenty20 on November 13, the first ODI on November 20 and the fourth Test starting on January 15, have been relocated to Durban, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth respectively.
"Knowing known Gerald Majola there must be a valid reason for him to take this line," Smith said. "I think it's sad from the point of view that fans are losing out. Ultimately South African cricket and the fans must always come first.
"Wanderers is a magnificent stadium and I hope this can be resolved in a good way."
Although the venue has retained its hosting rights for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, as the tournament is being convened by the world body, host nation South Africa will play none of their group matches at the "Bullring". The Proteas will instead play all their matches at SuperSport Park in Centurion, which will also host the tournament final.
ICC general manager Dave Richardson admitted that CSA had advised them on the schedule, but wouldn't go as far as admitting that the Wanderers was the initial host for the final when the draft schedule was drawn up in March this year.
"The schedule is done with the help of CSA and they advise us about venues etc. But I cannot confirm that the Wanderers was down to host the final at first - I'd have to go back to stacks of files to find that information.
"From the ICC point of view, all we ask is that venue is world-class and you always going to get that in SA no matter where you go."
Meanwhile Smith's elbow is now fine, fingers fixed and reasonably well rested and is looking forward to being fully fit for September's ICC Champions Trophy after undergoing an operation in the off-season.
"I'm hoping to start batting by the end of July, which gives me up to four weeks preparation before the Champions Trophy,' Smith said on Thursday.
"It's just nice to know that the operation is over with now. This is a definite fix. I'm doing a lot better than the doctors expected. I feel I will be ready way before the time."
South African captain Graeme Smith said on Thursday he hoped cricket would return to the Wanderers soon because the fans were being hit hardest by the feuding between the administrators.
The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg has been suspended as an international venue by Cricket South Africa as part of a dispute with the host association, the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB). The GCB had levelled allegations of mismanagement of the 2009 IPL at CSA chief executive Gerald Majola, the BCCI and the tournament organisers soon after the league ended.
All three matches initially scheduled for the Wanderers against England later this season, the first Twenty20 on November 13, the first ODI on November 20 and the fourth Test starting on January 15, have been relocated to Durban, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth respectively.
"Knowing known Gerald Majola there must be a valid reason for him to take this line," Smith said. "I think it's sad from the point of view that fans are losing out. Ultimately South African cricket and the fans must always come first.
"Wanderers is a magnificent stadium and I hope this can be resolved in a good way."
Although the venue has retained its hosting rights for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, as the tournament is being convened by the world body, host nation South Africa will play none of their group matches at the "Bullring". The Proteas will instead play all their matches at SuperSport Park in Centurion, which will also host the tournament final.
ICC general manager Dave Richardson admitted that CSA had advised them on the schedule, but wouldn't go as far as admitting that the Wanderers was the initial host for the final when the draft schedule was drawn up in March this year.
"The schedule is done with the help of CSA and they advise us about venues etc. But I cannot confirm that the Wanderers was down to host the final at first - I'd have to go back to stacks of files to find that information.
"From the ICC point of view, all we ask is that venue is world-class and you always going to get that in SA no matter where you go."
Meanwhile Smith's elbow is now fine, fingers fixed and reasonably well rested and is looking forward to being fully fit for September's ICC Champions Trophy after undergoing an operation in the off-season.
"I'm hoping to start batting by the end of July, which gives me up to four weeks preparation before the Champions Trophy,' Smith said on Thursday.
"It's just nice to know that the operation is over with now. This is a definite fix. I'm doing a lot better than the doctors expected. I feel I will be ready way before the time."
- This article was originally published on page 14 of The Cape Times on July 24, 2009
