CTC Sports director Allistair Bunding has responded to heavy criticism of the Indwe balls used for the ongoing Western Province Cricket Association Ama20 Competition.
CTC Sports manufacture the Indwe ball used by first division A outfits Green Point Cricket Club, Strandfontein Cricket Club, Primrose Cricket Club, Kraaifontein Cricket Club, Edgemead Cricket Club and others during the group stages of the tournament. All five clubs voiced displeasure at the integrity of the ball this week.
The premier league’s Brackenfell Cricket Club, Milnerton Cricket Club and Langa Cricket Club – and first division B’s Rylands Cricket Club and Hottentots Holland Cricket Club – also questioned its suitability.
“We did an investigation and found what the problem was after the first weekend’s games. We requested a recall last week already from [WPCA club cricket and facilities coordinator] Lindsay O’Malley,” Bunding told Club Cricket SA.
“However, he suggested that we do not recall the balls because he wanted to see what the outcomes were over this past weekend. Unfortunately, it was quite a large batch that was affected.”
O’Malley has since responded: “In light of the much-spoken about issue and numerous emails received from clubs, I have consulted with senior management, who have taken a firm decision to recall and replace all balls received from CTC Sports to date.
“We have engaged with the supplier, who have apologised for the inferior balls manufactured and ensured that the new batch won’t have the same issues as the current ones. We will continue to monitor the situation around the cricket balls and will always act in the best interest of cricket. Clubs who are playing T20 matches this weekend can also collect replacement balls.”