Thrill a minute at inaugural IPL competition

THE inaugural edition of the

Aucor Indoor Premier League (IPL) competition produced a thrill-a-minute event with franchises from around Durban clashing spectacularly in the three-day tournament last weekend.

The addition of Hollywoodbets Dolphins stars Khaya Zondo and Sarel Erwee as well as former Proteas Nantie Hayward, Imraan Khan and Yusuf Abdulla added extra spice to the event.

After topping their respective groups, Aucor Musgrave Warriors met Westwood Knights in the final.

Batting first, the Knights amassed 105 with “swing king” Abdulla and spinner Abdul Hack Razak producing miserly spells of bowling.

In response, Razak and Abdulla then combined well with the bat to put on a partnership of 41, while the last pair of Gareth Rall and George Bronkhorst scored 39 to guide the Warriors to a score of 124 from their allotted 16 overs.

The concept is the brainchild of Abdulla, who earned two Twenty20 caps for South Africa and represented the Kings XI Punjab in the 2009 version of the Indian Premier League.

“The presence of Dolphins and provincial indoor players made for a very exciting final,” he said. “The fans definitely enjoyed the experience.”

Abdulla said the initiative was designed to create an experience for both players and fans to enjoy.

Teams were selected using an auction-style system similar to the popular global Indian league.

“We have received positive feedback, everyone enjoyed themselves. “It was our first year. It really touched everyone, and the title sponsor’s team winning the final made it even better,” the left-arm seamer said.

This year, teams from Phoenix, umhlanga, Musgrave, Westwood, Overport and Nelspruit joined the league. Abdulla believes the IPL has the potential to extend its reach in the coming years.