After months of preparation and deliberation about the challenges that face cricket in a changing South African society and recognising that there are challenges within the EP Cricket environment, the EP Cricket Board on recommendation of the United Cricket Board of South Africa have commissioned RGA – a management consultancy - to facilitate the creation of a strategic plan for our province.

The strategic planning process is divided into two phases. The first being the "Assessment of the current reality", which took place on Monday and Tuesday of this week. This process involved the interviewing of a cross section of EP stakeholders. They included representatives from the public, EP Cricket staff, members of country as well as PE based cricket clubs and members of the media. All the interviews were conducted by RGA management consultants and were structured to find common areas of challenge.

With the further challenges that the World Cup 2003 will present, it is crucial that all challenges be managed in a structured manner. RGA will now collate a report for presentation to the Executive of the EP Cricket Board and the Provincial Monitoring Committee. This document will be used to prepare for a two-day workshop in August that will form part of phase two of the process.

During the workshop the results of the interview process will be evaluated, after which a strategic plan will be unveiled.

According to a statement by the UCB, the process embarked upon by the EP Cricket Board is commendable in that it is prepared to recognise challenges and work pro-actively to meet them. The desire to get feedback form all stakeholders is indicative of EP Cricket's commitment to create an even better organisation for all.

© Eastern Province Cricket Board