After a thorough bidding process which attracted over 29 various corporate entities, all six teams within South Africa’s new T20 cricket league have been bought out by the IPL’s biggest franchise owners.
The new South African T20 league, which is set to run from January to February 2023 is expected to generate huge interest and a gargantuan wave of support within the Rainbow Nation.
Business Insider reports that the new T20 league means that South African cricket fans will have the opportunity to watch world-class cricketers, catch a glimpse of the next generation and experience the action first-hand when the festival takes off early next year.
The mass buyout of these teams means that the IPL has now effectively a stakeholder within the South African domestic cricket scene as well, a testament to its rapid global expansion since its own inaugural tournament back in 2008.
Former South African captain Graeme Smith who was appointed as Commissioner of South Africa’s new T20 league lauded and supported the move. Hindustan Times reports him saying that “We are thrilled to welcome our new franchise owners to the South African League taking place in January and February 2023. This is truly an exciting time for South African cricket; the overwhelming interest shows that the country remains valued in the global cricketing eco-system.”
Chennai Super Kings, through their parent company Chennai Super Kings Sports Limited, made the highest bid to buy out the Johannesburg based franchise, according to ESPNCricinfo.
The Mumbai Indians, owned by Reliance Industries, have bought out the Cape Town based franchise.
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad who are directly under Sun TV Group, bought the former Port Elizabeth franchise, now known as Gqeberha.
Durban’s franchise, based in Kingsmead was bought out by the Lucknow Super Giants’ parent company RPSG Sports Private Limited while the Rajasthan Royals’ owner Royals Sports Group bought the Paarl franchise.
JSW Sports, who are the co-owners of the Delhi Capitals, have bought out the Pretoria based franchise located at SuperSport
The upcoming T20 League will be the third time South Africa would be attempting to launch a franchise-based global T20 cricket league in their country after multiple failed and underwhelming attempts in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
COVID-19 halted the progression all major T20 cricket league infrastructure and planning within South Africa, after previous efforts were thwarted due to being unable to secure large broadcasting rights and abject leadership in their implementation.
