Neil McKenzie (Gallo Images)

Eduan Roos

Johannesburg – The chaos in Gauteng cricket deepened on Monday when Neil McKenzie was sacked after six years as captain of the struggling Lions.

This follows a dispute between McKenzie, one of the country’s most experienced and successful batsmen and captains, and Lions coach Dave Nosworthy about the “direction” the Johannesburg franchise should take.

Sport24 understands that McKenzie heard about his sacking from the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) after Nosworthy approached them about the matter without consulting any of the players.

The board is engaged in a power struggle with a number of the province’s clubs following the GCB’s public spat with Cricket South Africa (CSA).

The union was banned from hosting any international matches at the Wanderers before sports minister Makhenkesi Stofile intervened.

A new GCB-council was picked after the heads of former chief executive Alan Kourie and president Barry Skjoldhammer rolled.

Kourie was appointed as “interim advisor” by the union two weeks ago after a majority of the clubs apparently decided to get rid of the current council. It is believed that he will still receive a severance package of R4m, but as a consultant is apparently earning around R125 000 per month.

Up to eight of the country’s 10 other cricket unions have threatened a playing ban against Gauteng.

McKenzie confirmed on Monday that he had been “summarily sacked”.

“It was unexpected and has not sunk in yet,” said McKenzie, who played the last of his 58 Tests just over a year ago against Australia.

“It’s not a personal thing between myself and Dave, but rather a matter of different management styles. He likes a certain structure, while I rely more on instinct and experience.

“I’m nevertheless grateful for the opportunity I had to work with brilliant people at the Lions for six years.”

Nosworthy was asked at the end of 2008 to get the Lions back on the winning track, but under him the team ended last in the recent MTN40 one-day series.

They were the second worst team in the SuperSport Series and have lost their only game to date in the Pro20-series.

“There is a lot of uncertainty about what is happening at board level, but the guys tried their best to ensure that it does not influence our performances,” said McKenzie.

He accepted a Kolpak offer from Hampshire at the end of last month, which probably means that he will not play for the Proteas again.

“I realise I am no longer part of the national plans, but am still more than prepared to do my best for the Lions in the Pro20-series if I’m picked,” said McKenzie.

Thami Tsolekile will take over from McKenzie until Alviro Petersen returns from India.