Arthur to coach Eastern Cape franchise team

Mickey Arthur, currently coach of the Griquas, has been appointed head coach of the new Eastern Cape franchise team. Reunert Bauser, the Border Cricket Board CEO who is responsible for the operational side of the new franchise, declined to comment on whether Kepler Wessels, the Easterns coach, or Wayne Wiblin, the Border coach, had been among the others shortlisted for the job.

However, Wiblin confirmed on Wednesday that he had applied for the job, while Wessels said that he had not, considering that his Easterns' contract still had a year to run .

"Arthur brings a wealth of playing experience to the table and his coaching ability has already been identified at a high level," said Bauser. Arthur, a former opening batsman, played 110 first-class matches and has been Griquas' coach since 2001.

Bauser also revealed yesterday the brand name, for the time being, will operate under the name of Mercedes-Benz Eastern Cape Cricket. He also said that there was a moratorium in place regarding the signing of player contracts until all franchise agreements were finalised.

"At this stage we have identified the players we need to play under the Eastern Cape banner and will be communicating with them regarding contract offers," he said. The squad of 16 will not include Makhaya Ntini, Mark Boucher, Mondi Zondeki, Robin Petersen and Mfuneko Ngam, who play for the national team.