If the rumours are true about Boland Park becoming home to the sixth team in the CSA’s new T20 competition are true, it will be a well deserved accolade. Bloemfontein has done nothing wrong in its efforts to remain in sixth place on the pecking order behind the five regular Test venues but Paarl has made massive strides to improve and impress.

SAA’s decision  to cut flights to the Free State capital has led to a feeling of isolation and concern amongst potential investors – like CSA. The new T20 league will be squeezed into a month – 30 matches in as many days. The logistics are frightening. The organisers will struggle to cope with one flight in and out per day.

Boland Park has now proved three times that it has the infrastructure to handle international cricket with aplomb. Relying on a host of volunteers prepared to work an entire day, with enthusiasm, for little more than lunch and water gives it another huge advantage. Cost-cutting and money-saving are key ingredients to the success of this venture.  (read more here)