The big-hitting wicketkeeper, Garnett Tarr, will be returning to Kimberley, where he’ll be turning out for the Northern Cape Heat.

Tarr spent the last two seasons with the Knights but had limited game time during the recent campaign, which prompted his decision to return to the Heat.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Tarr said his move back to Kimberley is driven by the opportunity for more game time. He’s also eager to work under the guidance of the new head coach, Mduduzi Mbatha.

Garnett Tarr. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Yeah, spot on – I think this is the move I need, and it’ll be the best thing for me,” said Tarr.  “I know Northern Cape, but this time around it’ll be a very different experience for me – and for the better. 

“But I’m excited for this new journey, to work with coach Mbatha and just to be out there playing again.”

In addition, fast bowler Nipho Mpungose has also left the team after three seasons, during which he struggled to break into the regular playing XI. At this stage, it’s unclear where he’ll continue his cricket career.

More player exits could be on the cards for the Knights, with much depending on an upcoming mediation process with Cricket South Africa, scheduled for May. However, Free State Cricket is still awaiting confirmation of the exact date.

Nipho Mpungose. Photo: Morgan Piek

Earlier this week, OFM Sport confirmed that the all-rounder Dian Forrester has already made the move to the North West Dragons in Potchefstroom. At least one other player on a two-year contract is believed to be in talks with a major union, though this will depend on the outcome of the mediation. If Free State Cricket loses the case, the matter is expected to proceed to arbitration.

Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa is set to announce the new structure for domestic cricket from the 2026/27 season during the early weeks of next month.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg