New League owners to be named
Buffalo Park being upgraded
MONTHS of speculation will come to an end when the owners of the eight T20 Global League franchises are revealed by Cricket South Africa in London today.
The all-new multi-million dollar T20 Global League will swing into action in South Africa in November and the people bankrolling the eight franchises will be introduced to the world today by Cricket SA.
The event will be streamed live on the T20 Global League’s Facebook page from 2pm SA time as well as www.cricket.co.za and the Cricket SA You Tube channel with an array of cricket celebrities and sports stars expected to be in attendance.
Also being made known today are the eight venues throughout South Africa with both Port Elizabeth and East London expected to be among the host cities revealed.
The league will work along similar lines to the Indian Premier League with teams bidding for players at auction. Bidders have also nominated their stadiums of choice and there is no connection between the new league and the existing franchise set-up.
More than 400 players from 10 countries have so far put their names into the hat ahead of the player draft on August 19 and this includes 162 international players who have played one format or another of international cricket in recent times.
A maximum of six players, either international or Proteas players, will represent likely cities Port Elizabeth and East London in the city-based franchises for the league.
“We are really starting to feel the excitement of the T20 Global League build as we close in on a major milestone in our preparation – that of the owner’s announcement,” said Cricket SA chief executive Haroon Lorgat.
“The reveal of the team owners will be momentous for CSA and at the same time will showcase the high quality T20 Global League that we’re building.
“Judging from the big player names already registered, it is clear that there is incredible interest from cricket stars around the world,” he added.
Cricket SA last week announced plans to revamp and upgrade eight stadiums around the country, with R350million earmarked for the project. Both St George’s Park and Buffalo Park are having their facilities upgraded.