CSA should manage cricket players better says Kagiso Rabada

PROTEAS fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has voiced urgent concerns regarding player management within Cricket South Africa (CSA).

In a recent interview, and as the 29-year-old gears up for an important two-match Test series against Bangladesh, the paceman emphasises the need for CSA to modernise their approach to retain players amid the allure of lucrative T20 opportunities worldwide.

"The management of the players needs to be up to scratch because these days you have lucrative deals with the T20 leagues and it's literally about CSA ensuring that the players are looked after," said Rabada.

"That's the name of the game. There needs to be cohesion between the players and CSA. If that gets achieved and there's total buy-in from both, then we're smiling.

"Where we are as cricket in South Africa, there's so many good players in the country. It's just about the management of the players.

“That needs to be taken care of, especially with the SA20. The SA20 is really good. It allows for young players to come into the system and showcase their talent.

"That actually contributes towards CSA because it exposes players and buys them experience. What that means is that it accelerates the learning process for the best players in the country. But when it comes to CSA, they need to really hit the nail on the head when it comes to player management.

"(It's about) persuading players to play for South Africa. That's the broader perspective. It's just about player management. Simple."

In the recent past, there have been several players who have opted out of national contracts, and it has been some of the country's most valuable assets who have walked away from the contracts.

Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, fast bowler Anrich Nortje and most recently Tabraiz Shamsi, have all opted out of national contracts to have more flexibility to participate in various leagues around the world while maintaining their availability to represent the country.

Globally, New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult also opted out of a national contract and has since featured in various T20 leagues.

However, Rabada is still contracted and is in the Test squad that departed to Bangladesh on Tuesday for an all-important two-match series.

The right-arm fast bowler will return to Mirpur, where he made his ODI debut almost a decade ago but this time, he will return in search of his 300th Test wicket. Fresh from a lengthy break, Rabada revealed he has been preparing for the tour and the upcoming summer, despite his sabbatical.

"I've just been trying to immerse myself into this break without looking too far ahead," he said.

“It's quite exciting to go to the subcontinent, especially as a fast bowler, as it's very challenging. I've been working very hard in between, while giving my mind a break,

"I'm really excited to take that challenge into my stride. We have the power and the ammunition to do well on the subcontinent. I have experience of playing in the subcontinent.

“I really want to win this series. That's going to be brilliant. I can't wait to get there."

The first Test gets under way on Monday.