MUMBAI: Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Thabang Moroe has confirmed that it will be receiving the help of the world’s richest cricket board, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in operating the ‘T20 Cricket League’. The development has come a day after CSA confirmed SABC as its official partner of the tournament.
“I am delighted to announce that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has accepted our invitation to make some of their senior administrators, who have extensive experience in running the Indian Premier League (IPL), available to assist with the smooth running of our tournament.
“Their experience will be invaluable and will assist in ensuring that the League is one of international standing.” Moroe said.
It is also interesting to note that the BCCI is reportedly considering South Africa as an alternate venue to host the IPL next year due to general elections in India, having done the same in 2009.
Moroe also took the opportunity to provide clarity over team compositions and players participating in it. Contrary to previous reports that only South African domestic players will be playing, each franchise can have upto 16 players in their squad with a maximum of four overseas players in it. Any former Proteas player who presently plays as a Kolpak in another country will be considered an overseas player as well.
The CEO opened online registrations of all players on Wednesday which will run up till 2 October. They have the opportunity to submit their photos, documents and also their base price for the player draft set for 17 October.
The league will have six franchises which will be finalized soon after CSA will study the recommendations of Nielsen, the global market research firm which will in turn analyze the bids and scope of the South African cities keen to have teams. It will be interesting to see the response of the eight owners of the previous T20 Global League, many of whom are likely to move court against the board.
The new tournament will have 32 matches on a home and away basis with the start date likely to be 10 November and the final to be held on 17 December.
