Winter league becoming increasingly popular

THE KH T20 Winter Cricket League is in full swing and has once again attracted top teams from around Kwazulu-natal.

The competition is the brainchild of cricket fanatics Yahya and Yameen Godil, father and son. It began in

2012 to give teams a chance to play competitively during the off-season, but has grown into a major event on the sports calendar.

More than 20 teams from Durban, Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg, Phoenix and Umkomaas are in the league across three divisions. The presence of top Hollywoodbets Dolphins players like Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Prenelan Subrayen and Khalipa Cele has given the competition more impetus on and off the field.

“We have been running for a few weeks and we have already seen that every team is capable of winning on the day,” said tournament director Yameen Godil.

The organisers decided to grade teams a few years ago to slot them into relevant divisions.

“This has made the competition equal and fair. It is good for the league as we have tight encounters,” Godil said. “Anything is possible on the day.”

For the first time, the final will be staged at Kingsmead, giving amateurs their day in the sun at the worldfamous cricket venue.

The addition of the KZN Under-19 side and a township development team has helped the organisers build a solid relationship with the KZN Cricket Union (KZNCU).

“We are working with the KZNCU to raise the profile of this league. Their provincial players have been excellent so far. There is no doubt that our league will help players prepare for the upcoming season,” said Godil.

The competition heads into its business-end this weekend, while the final will take place on May 13.

“Many teams are still in contention to make the play-offs,” Godil adds.

“The next few games are going to be very exciting. We are expecting more close finishes.”