CSA Defends "Shadow" Team for NZ Tests Amid Player Anger, Vows Support for Both Formats
Up to 7 uncapped players picked as SA prioritizes SA20, citing clash and commitment to both forms of cricket.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has defended selecting a shadow team for the Test trip to New Zealand, a move that has angered both current and past players, and said that it is still "fully committed" to both international cricket and the local SA20 competition.
Up to seven uncapped players, including a new skipper, were picked by South Africa for the two-Test series, while elite cricketers will compete in the SA20's second season, which coincides with the trip.
"Cricket South Africa's board is aware of the worries over the makeup of the Test team that will be visiting New Zealand later this month. We tell the supporters that CSA regards the Test format as the highest honor in the game we all adore.
In a statement, CSA said that it is "still fully committed to international cricket and to strengthening the SA20."
"When the Future Tours Program for 2023–2027 was finalized in 2022, the dates for this trip were determined. At that point, the SA20 timeframe had not been decided.
"We made every effort to find another mutually suitable time-slot for this 2 Test series in consultation with New Zealand Cricket once it became apparent that there would be a clash," the CSA said.
