Jo’burg court orders CSA to let Shamsi compete in the ILT20, could have far-reaching implications for freelance cricketers globally.
Jo’burg High Court directs CSA to let Shamsi complete ILT20 season.
In a historic ruling, the Gauteng High Court ruled against Cricket South Africa (CSA) and in favour of Tabraiz Shamsi. The ruling will be closely watched worldwide due to its possible ramifications for independent cricket players.
Shamsi, a left-arm wristspinner who has participated in 127 international matches in all formats, withdrew from his SA20 contract with MI Cape Town earlier this year to accept offers in other T20 leagues abroad, particularly the Big Bash League in Australia and the ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates.
In September’s SA20 auction, Shamsi was signed by MI Cape Town for R500,000 (about USD 29,000). However, he successfully requested a release from his contract, citing personal reasons, in violation of the conditions of his auction agreement. In November, the SA20 officially acknowledged that his contract had been repudiated, and he was replaced in MI Cape Town’s team.
After signing with Gulf Giants, Shamsi received an initial No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from CSA, although it was only valid until December 19, halfway through the ILT20 and before the SA20 competition window began. When negotiations for an extension broke down, he sought “urgent interim relief” in the High Court of South Africa, and the court decided in his favour.
In addition to ordering the board to reimburse Shamsi’s legal expenses, the court ordered CSA to provide him an extended NOC for the ILT20 until January 4, the date of the final. Since then, CSA has given him a separate NOC to cover his BBL contract. Shamsi will travel to Australia in January to play for Adelaide Strikers after taking four wickets in four games for Gulf Giants in the current ILT20.
“I am grateful that the Court recognized the urgency of my situation and granted interim relief,” Shamsi said in a statement issued by his management company, Global Sports Ventures.
“I was reluctant to take this matter to court, but it became necessary to bring certainty and resolve a situation that could not be resolved in any other way. This was never about maximising opportunities, but being able to approach my career in a considered and sustainable way.
“As a husband and a father, I also had to do what was right for my wife and our young child, and ensure stability for my family alongside the demands of a global cricket career.
“Looking ahead, my focus is firmly on cricket. I want to continue performing at the highest level, contributing positively wherever I play, and remaining available to represent South Africa whenever the opportunity arises.”
CSA has said it will decide on its next course of action after studying the judgement.
“Shamsi was not granted an NOC to participate in another T20 league due to SA20 contractual stipulations,” Pholetsi Moseki, the CSA CEO, told ESPNcricinfo. “CSA has issued the NOC based on the interim relief and will study the court’s decision to grant [the] same before deciding on the way forward.”