Last Updated on 11 months by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Test cricket vs SA20: CSA prioritise T20 league over NZ tour | South Africa could send second-string team to New Zealand

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is prioritising the SA20 over their Test tour of New Zealand in February 2024. CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki told ESPNcricinfo that while they are mindful of the national team fulfilling bilateral obligations, the SA20 takes first priority.

“Protea players in the SA20 will not be going to New Zealand and that is a directive from CSA,” said CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki CSA CEO. “But our plans are on track. The auction will be the next milestone and Shukri [Conrad, the Test coach] will then determine player availability for the tour.”

In a recent CricBlog survey, 75% of respondents said they believe franchise owners will soon hold power over cricket boards. The SA20 tournament, which kicked off in 2023, has a suite of investors. IPL franchise owners have invested in the teams, which leaves CSA in a position where those owners want a return.

So, having first-choice South Africa players available for that tournament is key to keep the investors happy, which means the Proteas will send a second-string team to New Zealand.

SA20 vs Test cricket: New Zealand will not negotiate dates

CSA were hoping the schedule could be re-arranged in order to ensure that the dates do not clash with the second season of the SA20. However, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) did not agree to reschedule dates for the two-match Test series.

The two Tests will be conducted from February 4-17, 2024, and it will hence collide with the business end of CSA’s flagship T20 tournament.

“These Tests have been part of the FTP since it was announced two years ago. We’ve collaborated and agreed dates with CSA, who have confirmed the tour, acknowledged the arrangements and have been in receipt of the schedule for several weeks,” NZC manager of public affairs Richard Boock was quoted in a report by ESPNcricinfo.

Boock added, “Flights have been confirmed, dates for the practice game have been agreed, and we’re looking forward to the squad’s arrival. The Proteas are a popular and formidable Test team and we view them as an important part of our home summer schedule.”

The Kiwis were unable to reschedule the Tests with South Africa to any other time in the home season. So, the Proteas will send second-string side to New Zealand for the red-ball series.

While the CSA centrally-contracted players owe their allegiance both to the national team as well as their respective franchises, the SA20 holds the primary rights over the players in the January window.