Betway has saved Cricket South Africa (CSA), by stepping into the breach and sponsoring its Test and One Day International (ODI) series. 

The online betting operator will replace Standard Bank as leading sponsor of the series, despite the ongoing COVID-19 disruption, which has forced CSA to suspend its series.  Though CSA has no idea when it will be able to return to the field, Betway has agreed a three-year sponsorship deal, delivering much needed certainty and financial security 

Standard Bank terminated its contract with CSA in April in response to the suspension of CSA CEO Thabang Moroe on charges of corruption. It resulted in CSA facing an estimated annual deficit of around R100 million (€5.22), for the next four years. With the South African economy already even struggling before COVID-19 hit, and sports sponsorships all over the world being put on hold, the future was looking grim for CSA. 

However, according to acting CEO at Cricket South Africa, Jacques Faul, the signing of a new sponsor should change that deficit into a profit of between R50 million (€2.61M) and R80 million (€4.18M) for the 2019/20 financial year. 

Commenting on the agreement Betway CEO, Anthony Werkman, said:

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Cricket South Africa. We already have a wide-ranging sporting portfolio and this showcases our commitment to cricket. The South African team are due back in action at the end of the year and we’re excited to see how the team perform across all codes of the game.”

While Cricket South Africa’s Chief Commercial Officer, Kugandrie Govender, explained:

“We are extremely proud to welcome Betway as headline partner to Cricket South Africa as we progress our already successful relationship to a new level.

“This partnership will enable us to connect with our fans on a broader scale, and signing on this global giant is the equivalent of hitting a six to win the match. It is pleasing to have a mutually beneficial relationship with an organisation of integrity that will contribute towards the game of cricket in this country while we deliver on their objectives. We are beyond thrilled that in these challenging times, Betway reciprocates the belief in us that we have in them.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Considering the COVID-19 crisis shows no real sign of going away, we’d say that’s a gutsy move by Betway! Let’s hope CSA can clean up its act and take to the pitch sooner rather than later. 

Staying with Betway, last month the operator announced it would be removing player transfer markets as the English Premier League resumed. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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