Former North West Dragons Captain Nicky van den Bergh, has announced his retirement from first-class cricket after a remarkable 13-year career.
The 34-year-old, who also practices as an attorney, leaves behind a legacy of over 100 first-class matches, split between North West and the Lions in Johannesburg.
Van den Bergh will not be distancing himself from the sport; instead, he's embracing a new role as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at North West Cricket. Remarkably, he will continue to balance his legal career alongside his cricket commitments, much as he did while actively playing.
Reflecting on his retirement, which had been in the works for some time, Van den Bergh expressed mixed emotions whilst conveying his eagerness to take on new challenges. He emphasized that the transition into the CCO role had been planned alongside his retirement.
"My retirement from professional cricket and the transition into the CCO role is something that we have been discussing for a while and has been in the pipeline for a while," said Van den Bergh. "I knew it was coming, so the plan was always to retire during this off-season. I can continue my legal career, and I am thankful to North West Cricket for the opportunity to step into a new role as CCO, to remain in cricket and see what North West can become. I truly believe North West Cricket can be a force to be reckoned with in South African cricket."
Van den Bergh's cricketing journey was marked by his contributions to various teams, including the Dragons, the Imperial Lions (now DP World Lions) and South African Universities.
His background as an attorney specialising in commercial law makes his appointment as Chief Commercial Officer at North West Cricket a logical choice. Van den Bergh views this new role as an exciting chapter in his longstanding association with North West Cricket, which began during his school days at Laerskool Baillie Park and Potchefstroom Gimnasium.
Looking ahead, he is enthusiastic about the prospects of the Dragons and North West Cricket. He envisions the Dragons becoming formidable in South African cricket's Division 1. He believes that success will naturally attract support and top players to the team, fostering further growth and development.
Ismail Minty, Chief Executive Officer of North West Cricket, expressed gratitude for Nicky van den Bergh's contributions to cricket and conveyed excitement about his continued involvement with the organization.
Van den Bergh is set to assume his new position as CCO on Friday, September 1.
