The KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union has scheduled its Annual General Meeting. Dr. Logan Naidoo, President of the Cricket Union says he is looking forward to the meeting, as the feedback on the previous season is all very positive, and that there is a lot to look forward to with the new season imminent.

Dr. Naidoo said, "The KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union had a fantastic year (2001/2002) and is delighted to be reporting a significant profit, which shows substantial growth on the previous year.

Dr. Naidoo remarked on the fact that KwaZulu-Natal had enjoyed success on the field as well. The Dolphins made a clean sweep by taking the cup in all three provincial competitions, namely, The Standard Bank Cup, The Supersport Series and The Discovery Challenge Knockout. Dr. Naidoo said, "We are extremely proud of the team. The entire squad, the captain Dale Benkenstein, the coach Eldine Baptiste and the Management Team, are congratulated on their commitment, determination and ultimately their remarkable performance."

It seems that the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union is riding on a wave and has a lot planned for the new season, which launches in September. Dr. Naidoo went on to say, "It is a pleasure to formally announce that Nixon McLean the West Indian professional has again been contracted to play for The Dolphins. Last season, Nixon brought a positive influence to the team both on and off the field. This aside, his performance was brilliant. In the Supersport Series he finished fourth in the national averages, and with 44 wickets he was our top wicket taker. In addition, he finished second in the National averages in the The Standard Bank One Day Series." It is anticipated that Nixon will arrive in South Africa early in September to begin training with the Squad.

A highlight for the new season, of course, has to be The World Cup, which this year is being hosted by South Africa. Four lead up games will be played at various grounds in Natal. Kingsmead (Home of The Dolphins) will host five main games, including South Africa vs. Sri Lanka on Monday 3rd March. The Pietermaritzburg Oval will also host two main games. Cricket World Cup fever has already gained momentum with ticket sales going incredibly well.

Mr. Docrat, CEO of the Cricket Union confirmed that there are tickets available and that from the 15th of July the public will be able to purchase tickets from The Union. The tickets will be available in two package options. The first is a "Stadium Package"; from R500 (Kingsmead) or R150 (Pietermaritzburg Oval) this ticket will entitle the bearer to access all World Cup games being played at the respective stadiums. The second option is a "Follow Your Team Package". There is a package for each participating country. To attend all the South Africa games (country wide) as well as the Opening Ceremony the package will cost from R830.

The R11 million stadium revamp is now well under way. "We are very excited about the project which will ultimately ensure a world class stadium. This is an incredible permanent benefit that Kingsmead will enjoy as a result of South Africa hosting The World Cup," said Mr. Docrat.

Currently work is being done on the North (main) building. A whole new floor is being added. This will make way for, amongst other things, an upgrade in players' facilities, a new VIP and President's lounge, as well as a new state of the art pressroom. The construction team is working ahead of schedule and are due to complete the player facility mid September, making it available to The Dolphins for the first game of the season commencing on the 20th of September, when they play Boland in The Supersport series.

It should also be noted that The Pietermaritzburg Oval will also benefit, with extensive development being carried out. R1.2 million will spent ensuring that facilities, particularly player and media facilities are upgraded to meet the specified World Cup standards.

With all this activity the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union has had to increase its resource capacity and employ a number of additional people. This includes the development of a marketing department. Dr. Naidoo confirmed that a consultant has been appointed to head up the marketing department, " We are very pleased to have Bridget Ward on board. Bridget comes to us with a wealth of experience and a proven track record. In addition she (Mrs. Ward) previously worked for one of our major sponsors and as a result has a good understanding of our needs and expectations.

Bridget Ward said, " With just three months before the launch of the season, we face a very exciting and challenging time. In the short term we will focus our efforts on The Dolphins. The brand has a solid foundation, however there is a need to consolidate the positioning and ensure greater exposure. The public can also look forward to an increased level of accessibility to their local heroes."

© KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union