Over 30 marquee international cricketers signed for South African T20 League
Aug 10, 2022
Johannesburg [South Africa], August 10 : Over 30 marquee international cricketers have been signed for the inaugural T20 League in South Africa, with the number of players set to increase as they enter the auction taking place in the next few coming weeks.
The six franchises of the inaugural T20 League in South Africa will be able to sign players from a world-class pool made up of some of the best local and international cricketers. This is in addition to all contracted Proteas and domestic players who have committed to the League.
The six franchises will have a squad of 17 players, and will be able to pre-sign up to five players made up of three international players, one Proteas player and one uncapped South African player prior to the auction.
"This is an important milestone for the League," League Commissioner, Graeme Smith commented in a statement. "Having world-class South African players playing with some of the best cricketers around the world makes for some outstanding cricket. I am mostly excited for the young and upcoming talent in our cricket pipeline. They will get to rub shoulders with some experienced and talented players which will no doubt inspire and help them to raise their own game."
"The League's priority is to help strengthen our domestic cricket structures while putting on an exciting and entertaining cricketing showpiece," Smith continued. "Our player regulations have been thoughtfully drafted in consultation with the franchises and everyone is ready to get going. We are looking forward to seeing how the teams match up and how the franchises will build their squads."
Players from across a host of countries have expressed their interest to be a part of the League and are currently being signed up for the 2023 season and beyond.
"We are delighted with the interest from the player community and are onboarding players with the support from the cricket boards. I am looking forward to welcoming players from all regions across the cricketing world," Smith ended.
Earlier in July, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that former captain Graeme Smith has been appointed as the Commissioner of South Africa's new T20 league.
Smith, Cricket's most successful Test captain, will lead the new T20 League overseeing all aspects (both cricketing and non-cricketing) and developing what is anticipated to be a dynamic brand that showcases the strength of South African cricket.
Earlier in April, Cricket South Africa (CSA) and SuperSport TV announced formation of a t20 competition featuring six private-owned franchises starting from January 2023 onwards.