Kimberley loses Proteas Women vs Pakistan T20 match after Diamond Oval ruled non-compliant

KIMBERLEY has lost its opportunity to host the much-anticipated third T20 International cricket match between the Proteas Women and Pakistan Women due to non-compliance issues relating to the pitch at the Diamond Oval.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on February 3 that the match, which is scheduled to be played on Monday, February 16, at 6pm, has been moved to Willowmoore Park Cricket Stadium in Benoni.

CSA indicated that, following an independent assessment of the Diamond Oval, the venue did “not meet the required international norms and standards for match readiness”.

Inspections conducted over the past month identified “critical deficiencies relating to the playing surface, outfield, practice facilities, and overall compliance”, raising concerns around player safety and the integrity of play.

CSA said it is engaging with venue management to address the identified issues and that the Diamond Oval may be reconsidered for future fixtures once all compliance measures have been met and independently verified.

Details regarding ticket refunds will be communicated in due course.

NC Cricket raises hand to steer tenders

Northern Cape (NC) Cricket president Gibson Molale said during a recent Integrated Development Plan (IDP) stakeholder engagement that the city had potentially lost a bid to host matches during the 2027 Cricket World Cup due to a lack of information relating to the city’s Bulk Facility for Infrastructure water upgrade project and the appointment of contractors who “did not have knowledge of cricket pitches”.

He stated that the World Cup could have generated revenue for the city amounting to R8 million.

Molale pointed out that several local sports grounds had become “white elephants” that were not being utilised for sporting activities.

“NC Cricket is willing to drive the initiative of engaging with non-profit organisations and businesses to invest in and revitalise these facilities. Organisations like NC Cricket must form part and parcel of every process when a tender is being awarded and when the money is being spent, so that the correct expertise can be sought to ensure that there is value for money. 

“R2 million was allocated for the Frank Roro Cricket Club and only a fence has been erected thus far,” he said.

R2 million upgrade for Ritchie Sports Grounds

According to the IDP, R2 million has been allocated to upgrade the Ritchie Sports Grounds to include a soccer pitch, netball and tennis courts, paving, and fencing, with completion earmarked for the 2025/26 financial year.

Sol Plaatje Municipality intends to provide temporary employment through the Expanded Public Works Programme.

It was indicated that a contractor has been appointed and that investigations and preliminary designs have been completed. The final design and documentation are still outstanding.