Xtra Time Web Desk: Cricket South Africa has issued a clarification for not being able to send a full-strength test squad for the upcoming tour to New Zealand starting next month. There has been a lot of criticism aimed towards CSA for sending a second-string test side. Neil Brand will lead the South African test side that features seven uncapped players.
According to the statement issued by Cricket South Africa, the board notes the concerns about the composition of the Test squad that will be travelling to New Zealand later this month.
According to CSA, the dates for the tour were set when the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2023-2027 was finalised in 2022. The window for the SA20 had not been determined at that stage. Once it became apparent that there would be a clash, the board made every effort to find another mutually suitable time-slot for this 2 Test series in consultation with New Zealand Cricket.
Regrettably the constraints imposed by the global cricket calendar made it impossible, as the games had to be played before April 2025 as part of the World Test Championship.
CSA has assured that the schedule for the remainder of the FTP has been managed to ensure that there will not be any further clashes between our bilateral commitments and the SA20.
Finally, the statement said CSA remains fully committed to international cricket and to strengthening the SA20, a tournament that was initiated by us to help grow and sustain the game.