CSA plunged into a crisis with president Norman Arendse quitting from his post, citing differences with CEO Gerald Majola.

"It is important that the person who presides over cricket in our country enjoys the full trust and confidence of his chief executive officer (CEO), and all 11 affiliates who are the custodians of the game," Arendse said in a statement.

"Currently, I enjoy neither and it does not assist me that I may enjoy constitutional protection against my removal at this stage until my three year-term ends in August 2010," he said.

Arendse alleged that Majola and other Cricket South Africa members have not been backing him despite his unanimous election last year. He accused Majola of trying to reduce him to a mere rubber-stamp.

"The truth of the matter is that although I was returned unopposed as president of Cricket South Africa (CSA) in August 2007 for a three-year term, I never at any stage enjoyed the full trust and confidence of the CEO, and all 11 affiliates.

"The CEO is of the view that the president is merely a ceremonial head there to preside over meetings, and to attend matches, and functions," he said.

Arendse revealed that his relations with Majola have soured to the extent that they could no longer work together without running into dispute on every other matter.

"As a consequence of these sharply contrasting positions, the relationship between the CEO and I, has broken down irretrievably. Should we continue in this way, there is a real danger that cricket may be plunged into a crisis, and the game be brought into disrepute," he said.