Cricket
Cricket South Africa and Haroon Lorgat part ways
The chief executive of the CSA has quit his post following a breakdown with the organization’s board.
Haroon Lorgat, 57, parted ways with Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday morning after his relationship with the organization reached a breaking point.
Lorgat’s decision of leaving his position as CEO was confirmed by CSA’s president, Chris Nenzani.
“The Board unanimously felt that it was in the best interest of the organization that we agreed to a mutual separation agreement with Mr Lorgat,” announced Nenzani.
Relationship breakdown
According to Nenzani, the separation was due to a breakdown in the relationship between the CSA board and Lorgat.
“We recently tried on a few occasions to remedy the situation between Mr Lorgat and the board, but we have not been successful in finding a satisfactory resolution,” said CSA’s president.
“It was a tough call for us to make and we recognize that Mr Lorgat had made a big contribution to the success of the organization and together with the board was instrumental in changing the fortunes of CSA when it had endured a troublesome period 5 years ago.”
Nenzani gave no further details about the relationship breakdown, however, it has been reported by the local media that the CSA’s board was concerned about Lorgat’s role in setting-up the Global T20 league, a new Twenty20 tournament that is due to start in November.
Lorgat was appointed as CSA’s CEO in 2013, with an initial three-year contract. In 2015, his contract was extended until July 2019.
He has been the main man behind the Global T20 League, which is intended to consist of eight teams, including marquee South African and international players.
Lots of questions being raised about this upcoming league upstretched pressure on Lorgat. The main concerns regard broadcast deals in India and South Africa. As of today, no television deal has been announced.
“The best way forward for CSA”
Haroon Lorgat thanked the board after his announcing his decision to leave the CSA: “I would like to thank the board for their wholesome support during my time, especially in my early years at CSA. It is most unfortunate that we must part ways in this manner, but it is the best way forward for CSA.
“It was an honor to lead the organization and I am proud of what we have achieved over the past few years to make CSA widely recognized as the best run sports federation in South Africa.
“I must take this opportunity to sincerely thank all my staff, our players, the wonderful set of commercial partners, the media and every other person that I have had the pleasure of engaging with during my term,” concluded Lorgat
Thabang Moroe appointed as acting CEO
As the search for a new CEO begins, CSA’s vice-president, Thabang Moroe, has been appointed to temporarily occupy the position.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Moroe gets a full contract, since he is widely supported by the CSA’s president Chris Nenzani and by the independent board member Louis von Zeuner.