Cricket South Africa (CSA) is all set to launch a new Global T20 League which is going to compete with the likes of Indian Premier League (India) and Big Bash League (Australia) that have seen huge success in recent years. T20 being the shortest format is in Cricket is loved by fans all over the world and since international players come together to form a formidable squad, the hype gets even bigger.
While Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the most successful tournament as it was the first to gather talents from all over the world and let fans witness squads comprising of different nationalities, donning the same jerseys, the concept itself has attracted a lot of attention and after the launch of Big Bash League by CA, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is looking to bag on the trend with the Global T20 League.
However, Global T20 League is one of kind concept as owners from outside South Africa can also bid for a team in the eight-team event and it also highlights the fact that Cricket South Africa is looking to make Global T20 League and international event that can also help the nation cash in foreign currency to help the weak South African Rand.
Now, BCCI being the richest board and India being one of the prominent cricket board, Global T20 League was expected to attract interested parties from India and the list now includes Kolkata Knight Riders’ owner Shahrukh Khan and Delhi Daredevils’ owner GMR Group.
While Shah Rukh Khan bought the franchise for Cape Town with marquee player Jean-Paul Duminy, GMR Sports bought the Johannesburg franchise, Kagiso Rabada being their marquee player.
Interestingly, 35 percent of the interested parties hail from India and here is the list of all eight franchises with their buyers and marquee players.
The launch event of Global T20 League took place at London’s most prestigious hotel, The Bvlgari and the eight South African Marquee Players were assigned to a team considering the city a particular player has been historically associated with or a city with whom the player will be able to construct a strong association with.
With South Africa being the No. 1 ODI team but facing some financial crises, the Global T20 League promises a great future for the nation and with the inclusion of Indian interest, it might not be as difficult for Global T20 League to attract a huge fan base. Also, Kolkata Knight Riders making a bid in the tournament will help them accomplish their global plans as they already have Trinbago Knight Riders playing in the Caribbean Premier League.
As for the bigger picture, there is no denying the fact that Indian players playing in the domestic season got a huge platform for playing with the big boys in Indian Premier League and the same is expected from the Global T20 League. South Africa has always come with some of the most talented crickets in the past and we might see more youngster emerging as future legends in the Global T20 League.
The tournament will be played at the end of this year and the player draft is scheduled for 19th August with almost 400 players from 10 different countries confirming their interest.