A second innings for cricket? the political economy, nation building and cricket development programmes in South Africa.

Abstract

This dissertation analyses the contemporary trends - - the so called "second innings"-- of South African cricket. It examines the role played by the tripartist relationship between the state cricket's administrative structures, and the private sector in the reconstruction of a national cricketing code. The case study of cricket development programmes is viewed as a social metaphor that extends beyond the cricket boundary and which allows for a focused analysis of the current issues that surround both the discourse and practice of "sports development". Thus the metaphor of cricket development is considered as a singular lens through which to assess the wider processes of development, "nation-building" and transformation in South African society. Cricket development programmes have made a significant impact on the reconstruction of South African sport, but have yet to fundamentally transform the nature of South African cricket. Despite the attempts to level the playing field through development initiates, the contemporary reality of a disparate social order continues to determine and define the codes of South African cricket.