CSA regrets CL T20 postponement

Cricket South Africa regretted the postponement of the CL T20 but said there was no alternative after the Mumbai attacks.

It is a very sad day not just for cricket but for everybody affected by what has occurred in Mumbai, CSA CEO Gerald Majola said.

"It is regrettable that the governing council of the Champions League had to take this decision but they had no choice in the circumstances. The safety of the players is of paramount importance at all times," he said in a media release.

Majola felt it was a big disappointment for South African qualifiers Dolphins and Titans not to have had the chance to take part in the USD six million event that was set to be held from December 3-10 in Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.

"It obviously has negative financial connotations for everybody involved and it is a huge disappointment for the franchise players from the Nashua Dolphins and the Nashua Titans who were looking forward to the opportunity of competing on a bigger stage," he added.

Tony Irish, CEO of the South African Cricketers' Association, said that the postponement of the eight-team tournament was the correct decision though it was also a massive financial blow to all concerned parties.

It is disappointing from a player's point of view because they were looking forward to testing their abilities against the best players from domestic teams of other countries, Irish said. "It is a massive blow to everyone financially, CSA, the franchises and the players, but it is the correct decision to make in this situation, because the safety and security of the teams and players is the most important factor," he added.

In view of the changed circumstances the South African Test squad will now travel to Australia together next weekend and an extra practice match is being arranged, also to be played at the WACA in Perth, the release said.

South Africa take on hosts Australia in a series of ODIs and Tests.