DURBAN - Haroon Lorgat’s tenure as the CEO of Cricket South Africa (CSA) has come to an end, with Thursday’s confirmation by the cricket body that they had parted ways by mutual agreement.
“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,” CSA president Chris Nenzani said in a statement.
Lorgat has, over the past year, taken on the T20 Global League as his baby, and has spent most of the past six months overseas, often in Dubai trying to iron out issues and concerns with owners, possible sponsors and, crucially, a broadcast partner for the tournament.
“The Board unanimously felt that it was in the best interest of the organisation that we agreed to a mutual separation agreement with Mr Lorgat. It was a tough call for us to make. and we recognise that Mr Lorgat had made a big contribution to the success of the organisation, and together with the Board was instrumental in changing the fortunes of CSA when it had endured a troublesome period five years ago,” Nenzani’s statement continued.
It is understood by Independent Media that Lorgat’s relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India was also a complication for CSA, and the drawn-out negotiations to nail down the itinerary for the Indian tour was the latest unwelcome headache, ahead of the busiest season in the history of South African cricket.
Current vice-president Thabang Moroe has been appointed as the acting CEO for the foreseeable future. It now promises to be a frenetic final month of build-up ahead of the T20 Global League, with some significant loose ends still to be tied up.
The search for a permanent replacement will begin in earnest, though it is unlikely that a candidate will be secured before the end of the year.