Johannesburg - Franchises will be required to field at least five players of colour in all competitions next season, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Friday.
“It is a fact that we have still not succeeded in unlocking the vast cricket talent among black African people and next season we will expect the affiliate and franchise presidents, executives, and their coaches to assume direct responsibility to do so,” CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.
“CSA is determined to grow the pool of black African players by ensuring there is quality playing opportunities for such players in all forms of cricket.”
The CSA board made the ruling, which will make it compulsory that two of the five players be black Africans.
Furthermore, semi-professional teams will be required to field at least six players of colour, three of whom must be black Africans.
The number of players with professional contracts in the national women's squad would increase from six to 14 players, CSA said.
Sapa