Haroon Lorgat quits as Cricket South Africa CEO after rift with board members

Cricket South Africa 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.”

“It was a tough call for us to make and we recognize 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,” said Nenzani.

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.

“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,” said Lorgat.

“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 recognized as the best run sports federation in South Africa. I must take this opportunity to sincerely thank all my staff, our players, the wonderful set of commercial partners, the media and every other person that I have had the pleasure of engaging with during my term,” he added.

CSA vice-president Thabang Moroe will take over as acting chief executive.