The regulations for return to training and playing of professional non-contact sport were announced by the Minister at a media briefing this morning.

“This is a big boost for the operational side of our cricket,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive Dr. Jacques Faul. “We have been in regular contact with SRSA and the Minister and they have been very supportive of the game in these difficult times.

“At this stage these regulations apply only to professional cricket and our next step will be to draw up a protocol covering the return to training and playing and submit it to SRSA for approval. I will immediately be calling a meeting of our Covid Steering Committee on Monday to get this process underway.

“Both our national teams and our franchises will in due time be given the green light to return to training.

“I have already had discussions with the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) and I would like to stress that no player, coach, support staff or administrator will be forced to return to training if they are uncomfortable with it at this stage,” concluded Faul.