South Africa complete domestic restructuring

South Africa has completed the restructuring of its domestic cricket, with the 11 provincial first-class sides merging into six regional ones. The move was taken by the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) to ensure the long-term financial viability of the game.

Ray Mali, the president of the UCB, was satisfied with the partnerships had been forged to form the new sides, although Free State and Griqualand West were unable to come to an agreement. The UCB stepped in, and gave a 55% "shareholding" to Free State with the remainder going to Griqualand.

The result, according to the UCB, will be improved overall quality and a commitment to lift amateur cricket at all levels. Sixteen teams, made up of the current 11 provinces and five new sides, will play a secondary, amateur competition and act as feeder teams.

The new competition mirrors the success of rugby's Super 12 competition, and means that South Africa now have the same number of first-class teams as Australia. Similar suggestions for regional cricket in England have encountered stiff opposition from the 18 counties.