PARADISE – Cricketers and cricket administrators have lost hope for the Paradise grounds.
They feel let down by the municipality, which in almost a year, has not yet responded to questions posed by the media or delivered on promises of new development.
Recent damage to the pitch is the latest in a string of disappointments.
Read: oSizweni cricketers up the pace
President of the Newcastle and Districts Cricket Association, Johan Ferreira approached the media in October, desperate to have his say.
He spoke bitterly about damaged floodlights and more, affecting the hosting of matches.
The Advertiser then made contact with the Head of Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries, Vish Govender, who stated he had already agreed to a meeting with Mr Ferreira.
Related article: Young cricketer finds the boundary
However, no adequate response was given.
Media inquiries relating to the declining state of the Paradise grounds were sent as early as January 7 this year, and remain acknowledged but otherwise ignored.
Officials from the Communications Unit replied in August as follows: “Could you kindly elaborate on the maintenance of the grounds as the Director for Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries says he is unaware of the below mentioned maintenance.”
Photographic evidence of damage to the turf and the ruined ablution facilities were sent in response, and to date, no further correspondence was given.
Also read: Cricketers go for broke
The Advertiser spoke with long-standing cricket administrator, Prem Naicker recently.
“The state of the grounds is very poor and not conducive to good cricket. The problem is there is no understanding between sporting fraternities on the use of the grounds.”
Dr Naicker said the situation until a few years ago, had outlined the division of seasons between cricket and soccer, rulings enforced by the municipality.
He stated there was no longer control in this regard.
Many cricketers, Dr Naicker included, have made mention of soccer players using and at times damaging the Paradise grounds out-of-season.
The South African Football Association has not condoned this behaviour.
“All we ask is that if soccer takes place all year, why not use the Show Grounds and let the cricketers get their matches in?”
Previously, according to Dr Naicker, the municipality had control over the goalposts and could prevent illegal use of the grounds.
Instead, now cricketers struggle to complete their season in time.
There is no quick fix to the situation – the provincial cricketing bodies have requested locals to approach the municipality for assistance, and this is where things grind to a halt.
“No one cares for the grounds, and it’s a serious concern for cricket. It is unfair because Johan does a lot of work for local cricket.”
Dr Naicker also raised the matter of approximately R3-million budgeted for maintenance of the grounds, which only saw a repaired sightscreen and some sand.
The only response by the municipality in this regard, was to deny the claims.
