Free State (formerly Orange Free State) is the first-class cricket team representing the province of Free State (known as Orange Free State until 1995) in South Africa. The team was called Orange Free State from January 1904 to April 1995. Along with Griqualand West, it was a part of the Eagles franchise from October 2004.. This was one of six franchise teams created to play at a level above South Africa's provincial system. The Free State and Griqualand West teams continued as feeder teams, however. The Eagles became the Knights from the 2010/11 season onwards. In 2020, the six franchises were dissolved, but the Knights name was adopted by the Free State team for reasons of brand continuity.
Current squad Squad for 2026/27 Season. Players in bold have played international cricket. NameNationalityBirth dateBatting styleBowling styleNotesBattersCole AbrahamsRight-handedRight-arm orthodox spinJonathan BirdLeft-handedLeft-arm wrist spinIsaac DikgaleRight-handedRight-arm seamSeth FledermausRight-handedRight-arm orthodox spinRuben MareeLeft-handedLesego SenokwaneRight-handedRight-arm orthodox spinPlayer of National InterestWian RuthvenRight-handedGeorge van HeerdenRight-handedRight-arm orthodox spinKeepersGihahn CloeteLeft-handedRight-arm orthodox spinRuan HaasbroekRight-handedRight-arm orthodox spinAll-RoundersRoss BoastRight-handedRight-arm seamEmmanuel MotswiriRight-handedRight-arm seamJacques SnymanRight-handedRight-arm orthodox spinTiaan van VuurenRight-handedLeft-arm seamPlayer of National InterestBowlersJunaid DawoodRight-handedRight-arm wrist spinMbongi MhlangaLeft-handedLeft-arm seamDane PiedtRight-handedRight-arm orthodox spinMalusi SibotoLeft-handedRight-arm seamNtando SoniRight-handedRight-arm seamNico van ZylRight-handedRight-arm seam
Honours
Currie Cup (3) – 1992–93, 1993–94, 1997–98; shared (0) – Standard Bank Cup (4) – 1988–89, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96 South African Airways Provincial One-Day Challenge (1) – 2004–05 Gillette/Nissan Cup (2) – 1991–92, 1992–93
Venues Venues have included: Ramblers Cricket Club Ground, Bloemfontein (Jan 1904 – Feb 1986) South African Railways Club Old Ground, Bloemfontein (Jan 1938 – Dec 1939) Welkom Mines Recreation Ground (occasional venue Nov 1954 – Nov 1963) University of Orange Free State Ground, Bloemfontein (Oct 1986 – Dec 1993) Harmony Gold Mine Cricket Club A Ground, Virginia (four matches Nov 1986 – Sept 1991) Goodyear Park, Bloemfontein (Oct 1989–present) Rovers Cricket Club, Welkom (two games 1981 – 1985)
References
Sources South African Cricket Annual – various editions Wisden Cricketers' Almanack – various editions