Ackerman removed as Lions captain

HD Ackerman: circumstances of his removal remain unclear © Getty Images

Despite a brief statement from Highveld Lions that HD Ackerman had resigned as captain and was being replaced by Neil McKenzie, it is now being sugested that he was sacked.

An article in the South African Star said that Ackerman was given a "resign or be sacked" ultimatum at a meeting on Monday following the weekend's 45-run defeat against Western Province/Boland in the Standard Bank Cup. The report explained that Ackerman had considered resigning there and then, but had been persuaded to think things over by Shukri Conrad, the Lions coach.

But Ackerman was then summoned to meet with Alan Kourie, the Lions CEO, where he was given the ultimatum. Ackerman refused to quit, insisting that Kourie needed to make the decision, which he did. "I think a number of factors contributed to his decision, such as the team's performances and frustrations," Kourie said. "He will stay as a batsman."

Ackerman's own form has been sound, and the news of his removal emerged on the day he was asked to lead South Africa A against England this weekend.