A new chapter is about to be written in North West Cricket’s book of highlights.
On Monday, 8 March, a virtual CSA press conference announced that the union would form part of the new top-eight structure in SA domestic cricket for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. This will replace the current franchise cricket system that was implemented in 2004.
Eight teams were chosen to form Division 1 – North West, Boland, Free State, Central Gauteng Lions, KZN Coastal, Northerns, Western Cape and Eastern Province. Seven teams – Border, Easterns, KwaZulu-Natal Inland, Limpopo, Mpuma- langa, Northern Cape and South Western Districts are in Division 2 for the next two seasons. A promo-tion/relegation system will kick in from the 2023/24 season onwards.
North West’s selection to the top division is exciting news as it presents numerous financial opportunities while also attracting top cricketers to Potchefstroom. North West will now play against the big boys of SA cricket in three-day, one-day and MSL T20 competitions. The Dragons will also play in a T20 knockout contest featuring Division 2 teams.
North West Cricket had to submit a detailed plan to the CSA restructuring committee and interim board for a spot in Division 1. North West Cricket’s success rate in hosting national and international tournaments, its proven track record in domestic men’s and women’s cricket, its reputation as a world-class cricket facility and its proximity and working relationship with the North-West University were some of the key factors in claiming a spot in the top eight.
A full squad of players will be contracted to North West Cricket for two seasons in Division 1, with a pool of provincial players available for selection in the new domestic structure. This presents an opportunity for only the best talent to play in Division 1, enhancing domestic cricket’s competitive nature. It also provides opportunities to grow local talent and continually produce top Proteas for the future.
North West Cricket’s CEO, HP Prinsloo, was understandably over the moon with the union’s new spot among the SA cricket elite. “It is exciting to be one of the top provinces, where we will also be able to participate in the MSL (Mzansi Super League).
The local public will also be better able to associate with the North West Dragons as a brand and one of the top teams in the country in Division 1. We hope this will attract cricket fans to the sta- dium with a larger selection of cricket on the way,” said Prinsloo.
Prinsloo also emphasised that the new promotion to the top eight would present an opportunity to attract new sponsors from a commercial standpoint.
“We at North West Cricket are excited about the numerous opportunities that will benefit not only cricket but the city of Potchefstroom at large.”
