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Cape Town - The South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) could launch a legal route against Cricket South Africa (CSA) if the national cricket board fails to comply and engage in mediation.
CSA confirmed last month that, as of 2021, South African cricket will scrap the franchise system in favour a provincial model that will see 12 sides compete domestically.
The briefing also sought to clarify CSA's current financial state, with the body saying that the restructure would see their projected deficit over the next four years drop from R650 million to around R200 million.
SACA, who expressed concerns over both the financial wellbeing of CSA as well as the proposed changes, stated that things could take a legal route if CSA does not comply with them.
"Our lawyers have made it clear to CSA that its failure to comply with our agreements may well lead to legal action," said SACA chief executive, Tony Irish in a press statement on Friday.
"At the same time we are open to finding responsible solutions to the financial challenges facing cricket and to ensuring the best outcomes from a cricket point of view. We have invited CSA to engage in mediation on the issues. If CSA fails to comply and does not accept our invitation to mediate SACA will be compelled to take the legal route."
Meanwhile, SACA President Omphile Ramela stated that their concerns have been ignored by CSA.
"We reiterate our concerns around the financial position and around a decision, which has significant consequences both for the game and the players, taken without regard to our agreements and without following the consultation process specifically provided for in our Recognition Agreement," said Ramela.
"SACA cares about the financial sustainability of the game, and this is not only about what happens next year but also about the years to come. Our concerns relating to this have simply been ignored by CSA.
"We also care about ensuring the best possible domestic structure for the players and the game and believe that this should be the subject of proper consultation and agreement instead of there being a decision, which will have significant consequences, forced on us and the players."
