Amla’s move greeted with shock
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Hashim Amla's announcement that he would be play for the Cobras next season has been met with shock in some headquarters. Photo by: Rogan Ward Hashim Amla's announcement that he would be play for the Cobras next season has been met with shock in some headquarters. Photo by: Rogan Ward
Former Dolphins and South African cricketers today reacted with shock and dismay to Hashim Amla’s announcement that he would be leaving the Dolphins immediately to play for the Nashua Cobras next season.
“It’s a shame that KwaZulu-Natal cannot keep one of their favourite sons within their environment,” said Mike Procter, one of South Africa’s leading all-rounders in his day.
“He is the best player in the world and with Dolphins cricket at such low ebb at the moment one would imagine that the administrators would do everything possible to dissuade him from leaving. It’s so sad to hear that he is going to Cape Town.
“He is born and bred in Durban. I don’t know the reasons but whatever they are there should have been some compromise. I know Hashim as a level-headed young cricketer and he would have been able to work through things but what went on between him at the cricket headquarters at Kingsmead is unknown.”
News that Amla might leave his home town first appeared in the Daily News on March 27 under the headline: ‘Will Amla quit Dolphins?’
No reasons for the star’s departure have yet been put forward. But points of unhappiness mentioned in that article have been hotly disputed.
The announcement yesterday was made by the player through a Cricket South Africa communiqué and a release from the Cobras confirming the world No 1 Test and One-Day International batsman would in future be turning out for the Cape Town-based franchise.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the cricket fraternity in the province and some leading role players asked why KwaZulu-Natal Cricket could not come to some agreement and retain his services.
Former Dolphins player Errol Stewart was taken aback when told that Amla was leaving Kingsmead.
“What! You’ve got to be kidding,” was Stewart’s first reaction to the news. “I’m shocked, surprised – what else can I say? He is a Durban boy, educated here and has everything going for him in this province.
“He is the best batsman in the world and should be playing here even though he does not get that many opportunities to do so because of his international commitments.
Loss
“It’s a great loss to the Dolphins because his presence at anyone of their games gives the team that semblance of balance and he is a guy to have in your team. He is the No 1 Test and One-Day International batsman in the world. I don’t know the reasons. I presume it’s personal and not cricketing issues.
“But it’s still unbelievable that the Dolphins have lost his services.”
When Pat Symcox, the former Proteas spinner, heard the news he said: “You must be pulling my leg.”
But when he was told that it was the case, he asked: “How could KwaZulu-Natal possibly let him go? Some 30-40 years ago when Barry Richards said he was going to leave Natal those in administration formed the Kingsmead Mynahs, raised money to keep him here.
“Now I hear that Hashim has gone. He’s an icon – every young kid looks up to him.
“I’m just shocked at what has happened. There must be an inquiry. Someone must be held responsible for KwaZulu-Natal losing an iconic sportsman, whom everyone looks up to and respects.”
Calls to coach of the Dolphins, Lance Klusener, and former captain, Jonty Rhodes, who is in the subcontinent with the Mumbai Indians at the IPL, went unanswered last night.
Selector
Andrew Hudson, convener of the selectors, did not want to comment.
The Amla statement yesterday said: “After a great deal of consideration and detailed discussion with my family and closest confidants, I have made the decision to move to the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras with immediate effect.
“I must stress that this was a difficult decision for me. I have always considered myself a Durban boy and know that I will dearly miss the support of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) fans during the domestic games.
“Although I may not have played a lot of domestic cricket in recent years due to my National team commitments, it is this tremendous support of the fans at KZN that I will remember and cherish the most.
“I have decided to pursue my domestic career with the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras, and I am looking forward to joining a team that has as rich a tradition as the Sunfoil Dolphins.
“I’m extremely excited about the future and look forward to making many new friends and colleagues in the Western Cape, whilst enjoying the game of cricket.”
Cobras coach Paul Adams said: “We understand that Hashim will not play a lot for us, but he adds depth and aura to a brand that we want to make the best. He is the perfect guy to have in any team.”
WCC chairman, Beresford Williams, said it was a big compliment that one of the greats of the world game had decided to join them.
He stressed that the WCC had not tried to lure Amla away from the Dolphins.
“We regret any breakdown that has occurred there, but we welcome him with open arms and trust he will grow further as a person and player with us.”
The Dolphins wished Amla well after his 13 years with the province.
“He has been a fantastic ambassador for the game of cricket in our province and he has also been a perfect cricketing role model for our youngsters,” said Fa-eez Jaffar, president of the KZN Cricket Union.
“We respect his decision and wish him well playing for the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras.”
Chief executive Jesse Chellan described Amla as a national asset, and said his success had brought joy and happiness to many generations of KZN cricket fans. He respected Amla’s decision, he said. - Daily News