Graeme Smith to head up new T20 League

The new league will take the place of the failed Mzansi Super League that came to an end after two editions before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This new six-team league has garnered huge interest from the Indian-based IPL franchises with reports suggesting that all new city-based franchises have been sold to IPL franchise owners.

Smith is said to hold great sway amongst the Indian cricketing community as is well respected which means having him at the helm will give the cash-flush owners confidence that the tournament will be a success.

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For Smith, he’s excited to begin a new journey with Cricket South Africa.

“I’m extremely honoured to be entrusted with leading this exciting new venture,” he said in a statement issued by CSA.

“I’m deeply committed to South African cricket and happy to serve the game as best I can. I’m excited by the opportunity to deliver the new league which I believe will be an extremely competitive product, one that can bring the much-needed investment into the game and provide new opportunities for players around the world and more importantly to our SA home grown talent.

“The response from stakeholders has been very positive thus far and we’ve made great progress in the initial stages.

“We’re determined to deliver a valuable, sustainable and appealing tournament for South African cricket.”

According to The Times of India all six franchises have been sold with Durban being bought by the newly formed Lucknow Super Giants.

Mumbai Indians will own the Cape Town side, Chennai Super Kings will run the Johannesburg team, the Delhi Capitals are reported to have purchased the Pretoria side while the Sunrisers Hyderabad will own the Gqheberha side and Rajasthan Royals will control to Paarl team.

The tournament is set to take place from January to February 2023 and the Proteas recently withdrew from their ODI series in Australia to get the nations top players back for the tournament.