IPL-type stars for CSA T20
|Published
LEADER: Graeme Smith
The new South African T20 League will have a “number of leading players” among the participants according to the league’s commissioner Graeme Smith.
On Wednesday, Cricket South Africa confirmed the backing of six IPL teams for the franchises that will participate in the competition.
In the statement released, Smith says: “The strong sports background of the respective owners and the global brands they manage ensures that South African cricket and the broader industry will benefit from their expertise and resources, as they bring stability and experience to the league.”
ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 19, 2022
Former #Proteas captain Graeme Smith has been appointed as Commissioner of South Africa's new T20 league.
Read more 🔗https://t.co/tL7wi8x8Ug#BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/erJTS6Uj7B
The six teams will be based in Johannesburg, Centurion, Paarl, Gqeberha, Cape Town and Durban, copying the venues which hosted the now defunct Mzansi Super League, which was CSA’s previous attempt at creating a T20 franchise competition.
Cricket SA says that an open bid process was undertaken, overseen by accounting firm, Deloitte Corporate Finance, that garnered interest from 29 parties, while 10 venues submitted bid to host a team.
Graeme Smith is going to be the overall head of South Africa's new T20 league 🙇♂️
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 20, 2022
🔗 https://t.co/l79kIaIshw pic.twitter.com/YlnbOFXiFy
As was the case for CSA’s first attempt at creating a T20 franchise competition - the Global League T20 - overseas players will be brought into the tournament.
Smith adds: “We have already contracted a number of leading international players who will be announced shortly.”
The league has budgeted, $1.5m per team for salaries, with each squad being able to sign up to five international players.
Graeme Smith might not always be everyone's cup of tea, but you can't argue with his people skills and his ability to keep Indian Cricket engaged. The first season is going to be vital for the success of our T20 league. No slip ups this time pic.twitter.com/NLuvK0TRRe
— Werner (@Werries_) July 19, 2022
NEW TEAM OWNERS
Cape Town - Reliance Industries Limited, owners of Mumbai Indians
Durban - RPSG Sports Private Limited, owners of Lucknow Super Giants
Gqeberha - Sun TV Network Limited, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad
Paarl - Royals Sports Group, owners of Rajasthan Royals
Johannesburg - Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited, owners of Chennai Super Kings
Centurion - JSW Sports, co-owners of Delhi Capitals