Sport News South Africa

Amla committed to cricket - CEO, KZN Cricket

Jesse Chellan, CEO of KZN Cricket, has lashed out at regional newspaper, the Daily News for publishing "elements and insinuations that are factually incorrect and misleading" and "compromising the good name of Hashim Amla and of the KZN Cricket Union"
Amla committed to cricket - CEO, KZN Cricket

The offending article, published on Wednesday, 27 March 2013, says Chellan, suggests Hashim Amla's unhappiness and the possibility of him quitting the Sunfoil Dolphins at the end of this cricket season.

"Hashim Amla is a Cricket South Africa (CSA) contracted player and all CSA contracted players determine the franchise that they play for. The franchises have no say in this matter. It is the player's choice. I wish to state categorically that at no stage has Hashim Amla approached KZN Cricket for any additional payment to remain with or play for the Sunfoil Dolphins. This would be contrary to the CSA and South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) guidelines in this regard. So the allegation that Hashim is unhappy with KZN Cricket for not paying him any additional fee is totally false," says Chellan.

"In addition, Hashim Amla was approached to play for the Sunfoil Dolphins between the Sunfoil Test Series and the ODI series, but was unavailable. This communication was channeled through his agent, Ismail Kajee.

"KZN Cricket is still in contract negotiations with all players whose contracts conclude on the 30 April 2013, and this includes Ahmed Amla."

Ismail Kajee, commented: "I am currently negotiating a deal for all the players I represent. This is what an agent normally does. Hence there is speculation. I cannot control that - but I am disgusted at the comment that the Sunfoil Dolphins are not supporting Hashim! We are grateful to the Sunfoil Dolphins and their sponsors for their ongoing support.
Lastly, as an agent, I am currently in discussions with the CEO of KZN cricket, and the chairman, Graham Abrahams. These discussions are private and confidential. At this point both Hashim and Ahmed remain committed to the Sunfoil Dolphins team, and their fans.

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