 |  Without restructuring, we would barely be able to survive |
Ray Mali's first act as head of South African cricket has been to reduce the first-class teams from 11 to six. Mali was elected unopposed as President of the United Cricket Board of South Africa on Saturday.
And he has already endorsed a new domestic system that could have huge implications on the professional game in his country.
The changes will come into force for the 2004-05 season.
Sixteen teams, made up of the current 11 provinces and five new sides, will play a secondary, amateur competition and act as feeder teams.
Mali said the move would provide financial stability and also concentrate the country's talent pool.
Income
"We rely largely on the professional level of cricket to bring in the income we use to develop the game for all," said Mali in a statement.
"Without restructuring that level into a stronger option, which can attract more crowds, sponsors and revenue, and which also does not drain funds, we would not be able to develop the game at all.
"We would barely be able to survive."
Mali succeeds Percy Sonn in the post and will have a two-year term of office, while Sonn becomes vice-president of the International Cricket Council.
Sonn often courted controversy during his period in charge of South African cricket.
He once pulled a player out of a Test at the last minute due to his colour, and also faced an allegation of being drunk during a World Cup match.
Mali is currently president of his native province Border, and has been a member of the UCB's general council since 2000.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith said: "It would be a great to be able to celebrate Mr. Mali's appointment with a Test series win over England."
MMIX
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