The remainder of the 2017-18 Western Province Cricket Association premier league, first, second, third and reserve division season has been cancelled with immediate effect.
The decision comes amid the ongoing drought across Cape Town and surrounds, where several fields have been left in disrepair due to a severe lack of water.
“It is with great sadness and regret that we have been forced into this position, but we have to take the bigger picture into account about the situation the city finds itself in,” IOL quoted WPCA services manager Clinton du Preez as saying.
“We have looked at various options to try and complete our season within the time frame, but cannot find a practical solution. We also understand the impact it will have on all our clubs and juniors, especially in terms of dwindling interest due to the lack of game time. It could have a serious impact.
“We have already seen the quality of our cricket drop over the course of the season due to the poor state of our fields and pitches.”
Level 6B water restrictions, instituted on 1 February, disallow the use of drinkable water on pitches and outfields. The use of borehole water, while strongly discouraged, is still legal.
“The decision from the WPCA local leagues cricket committee and the WPCA board – and in consultation with the City of Cape Town – is to suspend all community-based cricket (including schools and youth cricket clubs) with immediate effect due to the unavailability of water – including treated effluent, potable (municipal) and, very recently, borehole water,” added WCPA youth cricket coordinator Camillah Adams.