Telo signs for Derbyshire

[gibbs_fan]

Another talented SA player is lost to County cricket. Telo has also indicated that he would like to play for England one day. He is only 22 now. I was a big fan of this guy and I believed that he could go far in his career. He was tipped to be the next Kallis. Unfortunately, money talks and once again England benefit from our lack of financial strength.

This really upsets me. When will the issue of Kolpak be addressed by the ECB.

[greg]

Originally Posted by gibbs_fan

This really upsets me. When will the issue of Kolpak be addressed by the ECB.

It is not up to the ECB though as nobody is actually breaking any rules.It is up to South Africa to make sure players are paid enough so they don't need to mess up our system.

Both countries are losing out,short term it will hit you but long term it will hit us as our youngsters aren't getting chances as counties go down the kolpak route.

It isn't as though the ECB can go against european law as they would lose.

[gibbs_fan]

Originally Posted by greg

It is not up to the ECB though as nobody is actually breaking any rules.It is up to South Africa to make sure players are paid enough so they don't need to mess up our system.

Both countries are losing out,short term it will hit you but long term it will hit us as our youngsters aren't getting chances as counties go down the kolpak route.

It isn't as though the ECB can go against european law as they would lose.

With all due respect Greg, I cannot see how England are losing in this case. He will qualify to play for England and I wont be surprised if he makes the team. I mean Trott even made England.

The revenues that England receive in cricket is far more than the revenues that we here in SA receive. There just is no money in SA cricket. The attraction of the pound is too hard to resist as county cricket is more lucrative than playing for SA. We are trying to address the problem but considering that the SACB makes a loss every season (except when England or India tour here) I cannot see the situation changing anytime soon.

The ECB on the other hand can make a difference. While I do not suggest that the ECB go against european law there are things that the ECB can do. Am I correct in saying that the counties rely heavily on the subsidies from the ECB. If this is the case then surely the ECB can refuse to subsidise counties with Kolpak players. If not, then I am afraid that the situation will just get worse and we will eventually see an "England" team full of South Africans.

While I understand that financial security is becoming the top priority for players, this should not happen at the expense of every one else. Players should consider that their training have cost our provinces and country quite a lot. County cricket is fast becoming a circus just like the PL (football where clubs all over the world train the youngsters only for them to be stolen by PL clubs).