By Nick Butler 

SASCOC President Gideon Sam has warned Cricket South Africa that they must stop using an unofficial logo ©Getty ImagesCricket South Africa (CSA) has been set an ultimatum to remove the national flag from the emblem of the national cricket team kit because it contravenes strict legislation outlawing the use of unofficial logos for sporting teams. 


The ultimatum, set by South Africa Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) President Gideon Sam, has been issued because the King Protea logo is the "only symbol for national sports teams" and "no other combination is allowed".

Sam told Beeld Sport that he does not care where the flag moves on the South African kit, as long as it is removed from the logo. 

"It's just the cricket guys with whom we have long been struggling and we are tired of talking," he said.

"We do not care where the flag moves on the kit, as long as it moves.

"If they don't do it, then we'll act against them."

Sam added that the CSA have been given until after the conclusion of the South African tour of Sri Lanka on July 28 to sort the issue out.

According to SASCOC regulations, if CSA refuse to comply they could be kicked out as a Federation, which would mean that the national team, currently ranked second in the world for Test cricket, will be banned from competing internationally. 

South African players sporting the kit showing the banned logo during their tour of Sri Lanka this month ©Getty ImagesSouth African players sporting the kit showing the banned logo during their tour of Sri Lanka this month ©Getty Images



Although cricket is not an Olympic sport, the CSA is still affiliated to SASCOC, the governing body for all performance sports in the country.

Given the popularity of the cricket team as well as their success on the pitch, which saw them win their first ever One Day International Series in Sri Lanka last week during the Tour, it appears unlikely the situation will increase to the extent a ban ultimately takes place.

The main challenge appears to be a logistical one, with the process to change the logo expected to take around nine weeks and between R500,000 (£27,000/$47,000/€34,000) and R800,000 (£44,000/$75,000/€55,000).

South Africa are due to take on Zimbabwe next month before encounters with Australia, New Zealand and West Indies later this year.

A CSA spokesman has told insidethegames that, at this stage, they are not making any comments on the issue because it remains an internal matter between SASNOC and the CSA. 

They have been following "correct communication protocols" and SASNOC are "well aware of our position as this has been communicated to them in various correspondence", the spokesperson added. 

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