First XI captain Geoff Dods‘ playing career with Cape Town Cricket Club will end in March with the conclusion of the 2023-24 Western Province Cricket Association premier league.
Dods will retire as the most prolific first XI captain, sixth-highest first XI run-scorer, fifth-highest first XI wicket-taker and second-most capped first XI player in the recorded history of Cape Town Cricket Club.
He has scored 3,000-plus runs and taken 300-plus wickets in Cape Town Cricket Club’s first XI.
What Dods said about retirement
“I have wrestled with this decision for a while – and I know that the time is right. Stepping away will be incredibly difficult. I love this club and the opportunity the club has given me,” said Dods.
“I know the risk the club took in making me captain all those years ago – that risk was not lost on me at the time and the opportunity it gave me is still not lost on me now.
“I’m proud to have my identity so wrapped up in Cape Town Cricket Club – and am looking forward to watching the club grow in this new phase.”
Geoff Dods.
Dods debuted for the first XI during the 2008-09 WPCA club season – and went on to captain the team to premier league promotion, a premier league title, several top three finishes and two National Club Championship campaigns.
What CTCC said about Dods
“We completely support Geoff’s decision. He has been an immense servant of the club for a long time – on and off the field,” read a statement from Cape Town Cricket Club.
“Geoff is a significant part of the club’s identity and an exemplary leader of men – and, of course, one of the leading all-rounders and captains in the WPCA premier league for an extended period.
“While Dods’ vast number of runs, wickets and wins are countable, the work he has put into the club’s thriving culture is immeasurable – countless hours of helping refine all things Cape Town Cricket Club.
“Geoff is an outstanding human, who has ensured our players, members and visitors are treated with respect. He embodies the values of Cape Town Cricket Club – and in many ways was at the fore of establishing these values.”
Geoff Dods.
CTCC after Dods’ retirement
Dods’ final home fixture will be against Primrose Cricket Club at the Boon Wallace Oval on 2 March. His final fixture overall will be at Claremont Cricket Club on 16 March.
Cape Town Cricket Club chairman Jonhenry Wilson added: “On a personal note, Geoff has had a huge, positive influence on my leadership at the club and in life outside the club. Serving each other, in order to serve our club, with genuine accountability throughout, has been fun and challenging.
“On many occasions, Geoff has led me, rather than I him. It has been an absolute privilege to lead others alongside Geoff. I will miss working with Geoff for the foreseeable future, but look forward to doing so again in years to come.”
Tristan Coetzee, who has already had some success as stand-in captain during Dods’ injury absence earlier this season, will be appointed Cape Town Cricket Club’s full-time first XI captain for the 2024-25 WPCA premier league.