Four-day cricket series receives prize money boost

Cricket South Africa and the Willowton group agreed to increase the prize money to R2 million, with the champions taking home R1 million. Players are also set to benefit, with the player of the series awarded R50 000 and a new R15 000 monthly prize introduced for the player of the month.

“We must be enthused about our first-class cricket and this is a wonderful boost for the four-day game,” said Cricket South Africa executive Haroon Lorgat. “It confirms our view that first-class cricket is the premier format and the place where players must excel if they want to succeed at international level.”

Shoaib Moosa, sales and marketing director of the Willowton Group said, “We are delighted to be involved in the sponsorship of this 30-game series which will be played at venues throughout South Africa. We do hope that fans will take the opportunity to go to their closest local match and enjoy the four-day cricket with no admission charge.”

He added that four-day cricket served as the breeding ground for future Protea Test cricketers. “The current standard of cricket played in this series is exceptionally high and we are certain that over the next few seasons the Protea team will become even stronger,” said Moosa.