Kagiso Rabada: Cricket SA need to really hit the nail on the head with player management

Ongama Gcwabe|Published

Kagiso Rabada will return to Mirpur, where he made his ODI debut, but this time, he will be searching for his 300th Test wicket against Bangladesh. Photo: BackpagePix

PROTEAS fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has voiced urgent concerns regarding player management within Cricket South Africa.

In an exclusive interview with Independent Newspapers, and as the 29-year-old gears up for an important two-match Test series against Bangladesh, the paceman emphasises the need for CSA to modernise their approach to retain players amid the allure of lucrative T20 opportunities worldwide.

“The management of the players needs to be up to scratch because these days, you have lucrative deals with the T20 leagues and it’s literally about CSA ensuring that the players are looked after,” Rabada said.

“That’s the name of the game. There needs to be cohesion between the players and CSA. If that gets achieved and there’s total buy-in from both, then we’re smiling.

“Where we are as cricket in South Africa, there’s so many good players in the country. It’s just about the management of the players.

“That needs to be taken care of, especially with the SA20. The SA20 is really good. It allows for young players to come into the system and showcase their talent.

“That actually contributes towards CSA because it exposes players and buys them experience. What that means is that it accelerates the learning process for the best players in the country.

“But when it comes to CSA, they need to really hit the nail on the head when it comes to player management.

“(It’s about) persuading players to play for South Africa. That’s the broader perspective. It’s just about player management. Simple.”

In the recent past, there have been several players who have opted out of national contracts, and it has been some of the country’s most valuable assets who have walked away from the contracts.

Wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock, fast bowler Anrich Nortjé and most recently spinner Tabraiz Shamsi have all opted out of national contracts to have more flexibility to participate in various leagues around the world, while maintaining their availability to represent the country.

Globally, New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult also opted out of a national contract and has since featured in various T20 leagues.

However, Rabada is still contracted and is in the Test squad that departed to Bangladesh yesterday for an all-important two-match series.

Cricket SA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe shared the same sentiment as Rabada that they need to up their game.

“I do agree with KG that times have changed... our game has evolved. It is something that I’ve been consistent with as director of cricket over the past year or two, that from a Cricket South Africa point of view, we are open-minded on the way forward with the evolving landscape,” Nkwe told Independent Newspapers.

“We need to up our game in managing our players – not only the marquee players, but all players across the board.

“The reality is that we have great talent in South Africa, and it will always be very attractive to different leagues.

“The last thing we want is for players to find themselves in a situation where they have to choose between their country and the leagues... We don’t want that.”

Rabada will return to Mirpur, where he made his ODI debut almost a decade ago, but this time, he will be searching for his 300th Test wicket, with the first Test kicking off on Monday.

Fresh from a lengthy break, the right-arm fast bowler revealed he has been preparing for the tour and the upcoming summer, despite his recent sabbatical.

“I’ve just been trying to immerse myself into this break without looking too far ahead,” he said.

“It’s quite exciting to go to the sub-continent, especially as a fast bowler – as it’s very challenging. I’ve been working very hard in between, while giving my mind a break.

“I’m really excited to take that challenge into my stride. We have the power and the ammunition to do well on the sub-continent. I have experience of playing in the sub-continent.

“I really want to win this series. That’s going to be brilliant. I can’t wait to get there.”

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