Cricket SA announces revised Solidarity Cup match date
Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Wednesday that the inaugural Solidarity Cup match will be played on June 18.
The date is internationally celebrated as Nelson Mandela Day and will mark the official return of cricket.
Sport has been on hold since the outbreak of coronavirus and the subsequent national lockdown.
The match will see three teams of eight play in a single match at SuperSport Park in Centurion, competing for the inaugural Solidarity Cup.
The three teams will be captained by AB de Villiers, Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock.
“It’s very exciting to get live cricket, featuring our top players, back on our TV screens again,” commented CSA acting chief executive Jacques Faul. “I can’t think of a more appropriate day on which to hold this game than Nelson Mandela Day when its prime objective is to raise funds for those who have been badly affected by the coronavirus.
“It is still nearly three weeks away, so it also gives our players more time to prepare properly and to minimise the chance of injuries.
“I would like to thank the government and our own medical team once again for everything they have done to make a return to training and playing possible and I would also like to add special thanks to the incredible sponsors involved in this event for their continued commitment towards the match and its beneficiary, the Hardship Fund.”
ALSO READ: Messi scores 700th goal but Atletico draw hurts Barca's title hopes