Cricket South Africa have suspended amateur cricket around the country with immediate effect.
The suspension comes amid a spike in coronavirus cases in several provinces.
“Cricket South Africa today confirmed all forms of amateur cricket has been suspended until further notice,” read Wednesday’s statement from CSA.
“All clubs, schools and Mini-Cricket has been put on hold for at least the next two weeks, as recommended by the CSA medical committee, due to the adjusted level four lockdown amid the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
CSA exercise ‘duty of care’
The bulk of formal club and school cricket doesn’t happen during the winter, regardless. But private cricket academies, who employ coaches and have other costs during the off-season, have been forced to halt for at least the middle of July 2021.
CSA acting head of cricket pathways Edward Khoza added: “Fortunately, most of our organised cricket is in recess at the moment, but there are private academies that operate throughout the year.
“The safety of all participants is always the priority and Cricket South Africa, together with its members, are exercising their duty of care by halting all forms of amateur cricket.”