The SA20 tournament which started in Cape Town on Tuesday evening is South Africa’s third attempt at the prestigious international T20 league, after the Global T20 League and the Mzansi Super League which, if you dissect it, lack the financial support and player power of this new player. version have.
All six teams have been bought by powerful IPL franchises and SuperSport is not only the host broadcaster but also has a 30% stake in the league. And the roster has international superstars like Jason Holder, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Kusal Mendis, Adil Rashid and Jason Roy.
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Former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, who will lead the Joburg Super Kings, has seen T20 leagues around the world and he believes that Cricket South Africa has achieved its goals this time around.
“After a while, I realized how important this league is and it will be good for all of South African cricket,” Du Plessis said at the launch of JSK at Wanderers at the weekend.
“CSA needs this for an opportunity that will give local players to work with the best players in the world and also to work with franchises like Chennai Super Kings and see why they are successful.
“To get this product now, they have the best players and TV networks and sponsors from all over the world. Going forward, more international players want to come here.
“We have an amazing country, but before the tournament it is not strong enough to attract the best international players. It is also very important that all our national team players participate,” said Du Plessis.
The opening game
The opening match at Newlands will see two teams based in the Western Cape – MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals – clash at Newlands. Both sides are expected to put up a good tilt in the inaugural SA20 title and the game should be a great contest between MI Cape Town’s powerful attack and Paarl’s strong batting.
Although Kagiso Rabada is unlikely to play as he has returned from Australia, Cape Town’s attack will still be led by Archer, Curran and Rashid, while West Indian Odean Smith could also be a highly-rated T20 bowler bought at a base price of R1.75 million, the highest minimum amount of the auction.
Royals batting is full of attacking stroke players like Buttler, David Miller, Roy and Eoin Morgan while Tabraiz Shamsi will lead the bowling.
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