The Free State Cricket Union has accepted its relegation to Division 2 next season following a mediation process with CSA.

The Knights finished last on the 2024-25 Division 1 promotion-relegation table, which takes into account log finishes in all three domestic competitions.

However, the FSCU sent CSA a lawyer’s letter demanding that the EP Warriors’ One-Day Cup win against the KZN Dolphins in Durban be removed from the wins column on the tournament log. While the Warriors were docked log points for not fielding three black Africans in their starting XI, costing them a place in the playoffs, their wins column was not adjusted.

Had it been, both the Knights and Warriors would have had three wins each, and the Knights would have moved above the Warriors on net run rate. The Knights would also have leapfrogged the Warriors on the promotion-relegation table, with the Warriors relegated to Division 2 instead.

CSA confirmed on Friday that the FSCU’s efforts to have the log adjusted had failed.

“The dispute has been resolved on the basis that in the best interest of cricket and the country, FSCU acknowledges that it will not participate in Division 1 for the 2025-26 season,” read a statement from CSA.

“Rather than incurring further legal fees, the union has resolved to allocate the available resources toward the development of cricket within the region.

“This strategic focus aims to enhance the standard of play locally and improve team performance, thereby increasing the likelihood of future promotion back to Division 1.

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“CSA appreciates the professional and constructive manner in which the FSCU has engaged in the mediation process. CSA commends the union for prioritising the best interests of the game and extends its best wishes for their continued efforts to achieve promotion back to Division 1.”

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