The match was originally scheduled for Monday, 16 February, but has now been relocated to Gauteng following an independent assessment which found that the venue does not currently meet the required international norms and standards for match readiness. Comprehensive inspections conducted over the past month revealed several critical shortcomings, particularly relating to the playing surface, outfield, practice facilities, and overall compliance with international standards. 

CSA has indicated that these issues present a potential risk and could compromise the integrity of play.

The England men’s team preparing at the Diamond Oval in 2023. Photo: Cricinfo

This is the latest of a long list of setbacks to rock Northern Cape Cricket in recent years.

CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, said the decision to remove an international fixture from a venue is never taken lightly, but stressed that player welfare remains paramount.

“The safety of players, match officials, and spectators is our top priority,” said Moseki. “While the decision to cancel an international fixture is never taken lightly, the findings of the assessment left us with no alternative.

South Africa A vs. England A in Kimberley in 2016. Photo: Cricinfo

“We cannot proceed with a match at a venue where the conditions may pose a threat to player safety or fail to meet international cricket requirements.”

As a result, the match has been moved to Willowmoore Park in Benoni, a venue well-versed in hosting international cricket, particularly on the women’s circuit.

CSA has not ruled out the possibility of Kimberley hosting international matches again in the future. However, this will depend on remedial work being completed, with all compliance measures satisfactorily met and independently verified.

In the last international match played in Kimberley, Jos Buttler, scored 131 in the 3rd ODI against South Africa in 2023. Photo: Cricinfo

Cricket South Africa has apologised to cricket supporters in the region for the inconvenience caused, adding that details regarding ticket refunds will be communicated in due course.

Meanwhile, the eagerly anticipated tour gets underway on 10 February when the Proteas Women host Pakistan at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, with play scheduled to start at 18:00. The second and third T20 Internationals will both be played in Benoni.

The One-Day International series begins on Sunday, 22 February, at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, followed by the second ODI at SuperSport Park. The tour will conclude on 1 March at Kingsmead in Durban.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh