The Knights have been relegated to division two ahead of South Africa’s 2023-24 domestic season.
The Knights will replace KwaZulu-Natal Inland in division two. KwaZulu-Natal Inland have been promoted to division one.
“This is one of the issues that was unenvisaged when the system started. If someone had shown you the teams then, you would not have thought the Knights would be the ones to be relegated,” Cricket South Africa head of pathways Edward Khoza told ESPNcricinfo.
“It is important for each member to take responsibility and show accountability for their systems. The franchise system provided comfort and we couldn’t see the gaps that were there.
“Now, we will need to take a deep dive into what is happening with some of our members and see what we can do to support them.”
Coetzee leaves Knights for Titans
Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will reportedly leave the Knights for the Titans.
Coetzee debuted for the Knights during the 2018-19 season, prior to South African domestic cricket’s return to provincial from franchise competition.
He has since played two Tests and been included in the ODI squad for this month’s series against the West Indies.
Dolphins win 4-Day Domestic series division one
The Dolphins, meanwhile, have won the 2022-23 4-Day Domestic Series division one title. Northern Cape, earlier this week, retained the 4-Day Domestic Series division two title.
“The 4-Day Domestic Series is the country’s premium red-ball competition and seeing it go down to the wire for both divisions has been exciting to watch,” added Khoza.
“This shows us that there is a massive talent pool in the system that is keeping our domestic product exciting and competitive.”