St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth will undergo a R39-million upgrade ahead of the T20 Global League in November.

Eastern Province Cricket CEO, Mark Williams, expressed the hope that the upgrade would help secure a decade-long agreement with CSA to host T20 Global league matches at the venue, while also complying with safety regulations.

 ‘We are making this investment because we want to secure at least a 10-year agreement with CSA for the use of the venue for the T20 Global League. This will go a long way to creating sustainability for the city’s stadium,’ said Williams.

‘In fact, if we don’t do anything about it, in terms of the Safety Act no events will be able to take place at the stadium,’ he added.

R25-million will be allocated to upgrading the floodlights at the stadium, which will aid the city’s bid to host day-night ODIs.

‘There are a few general things that will be worked on, and the lighting issue which, should it be attended to, would ensure we have day-night games and put us in good standing to host tests,’ he remarked.

Williams went on to say that the refurbishment would attract more spectators to the ground which in turn would result in greater revenue-generation for EP Cricket.

‘Our intention is that, over time, the stadium generates enough income without the public purse having to assist us,’ Williams said.

The venues for this year’s T20 Global league are to be announced on 19 June.