Haroon Lorgat resigns as chief executive officer of CSA

Chris Nenzani did not go into details about the breakdown in relations but it has been reported in local media that there were concerns about Lorgat’s role in the setting-up of a new T20 tournament.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has quit his post with immediate effect following a breakdown with the organisation’s board, CSA president Chris Nenzani announced on Thursday.”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,” said Nenzani.”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.”

Nenzani did not go into details about the breakdown in relations but it has been reported in local media that there were concerns about Lorgat’s role in the setting-up of a new Twenty20 tournament, the Global T20 league, which is due to start in November.

CSA vice-president Thabang Moroe will take over as acting chief executive.  It is understood that he will be supported by Nenzani as well as independent board member Louis Von Zeuner, as reported on cricbuzz.

Lorgat’s tenure was to end only in 2019, which was extended in 2015. However, his early departure is expected to cause several loss to the board.

But they are expecting the Global T20 to cover up for the loss that would be incurred. Adding more light on the depth of the situation, Nenzani added, “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 organization and together with the Board was instrumental in changing the fortunes of CSA when it had endured a troublesome period 5 years ago. We are all saddened by this turn of events, but at the same time we need to look forward to ensure new leadership at CSA builds on the solid foundation laid by Mr Lorgat. On behalf of all of us at CSA, I would like to thank Haroon for his excellent leadership and sterling contribution and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Lorgat, meanwhile, expressed his views through his statement, “I would like to thank the Board for their wholesome support during my time, especially in my early years at CSA. It is most unfortunate that we must part ways in this manner, but it is the best way forward for CSA. It was an honour to lead the organization and I am proud of what we have achieved over the past few years to make CSA widely recognised as the best run sports federation in South Africa.”