"There has been an accelerated growth of cricket in South Africa and CSA wants to harness this growth in terms of our strategic plan for South African cricket in the future,” says CSA CEO, Gerald Majola. "The expansion of the game, with mini cricket at the heart, is essential to this strategic plan. Consequently, we have secured a long-term partnership with a major international brand to assist with mini cricket in this regard and an announcement will be forthcoming soon.
"History will record the critical role that Bakers has played in developing South African cricket to this point, and CSA will always be grateful for this," he concluded.
In a letter to CSA, David Hood, MD of Bakers, said, "While we remain disappointed that our relationship has come to end after an association of 27 years, we acknowledge and accept the direction that it has decided to take. It has been a privilege for NBL and our brand to be associated with CSA and to be given the opportunity to partake in the personal and sporting development of the youth. We will always look back proudly on the very committed coaches and administrators that brought Bakers Mini Cricket to life and the young cricketers themselves."
