100 days until first ball of SA20 is bowled

The countdown to eXXciting, eXXplosive and eXXhilarating cricket is on! The SA20 will come into action in 100 days, with the first-ever ball being bowled on Tuesday, 10 January. The world’s top T20 cricketers and prime local talent will be on show as South Africa's premier T20 League takes centre stage.

The six franchises confirmed their squads at the action-packed player auction held in Cape Town, and now the focus shifts to the field as the coaches look ahead to an exciting display from the stars selected.

Joburg Super Kings' assistant coach, Albie Morkel, says the calibre of the players who make up the squads will produce competitive and entertaining cricket for the fans.

“The player auction was a huge success for us as Joburg Super Kings and for the league itself,” he said. “There were a lot of quality local and international cricketers picked up and that will certainly produce competitive cricket from the teams. It’s the inaugural show of the SA20 and all the franchises will be looking to start the competition off on a positive note and to make a good impression. We have already started doing work behind the scenes and can’t wait for the action to start come 10 January.”

'MANY POSITIVE STORIES'

Players involved in the SA20 will show a glimpse of what is to come during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the CSA T20 Challenge. Current Warriors head coach and MI Cape Town general manager, Robin Peterson, believes the SA20 is the injection needed to bring purpose and excitement to the domestic cricket scene.

“The SA20 is going to have a massive impact on South African cricket,” he said. “It is going to revolutionalise the game in our country and if used correctly and to its full potential, it will be an exciting competition. Being on the ground working at domestic level, there is a certain level of excitement from cricketers that there is a league within our own country. There's knowing that if they showcase their skills, who knows where it may lead to, be it playing for the Proteas or getting deals around the world.

“There have been so many positive stories to come from the auction,” Peterson added. “A guy like Aya Gqamane is fit, professional and works really hard, he puts his head down and gets down to business. He lost his contract a few years ago but it has been fantastic to see him rebuild his career at the Warriors and the Titans and to go on to get bought by the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

"A player like Sisanda Magala also going to the same team in the Eastern Cape is awesome to see. In my opinion, he is the best death bowler in South Africa and he has been rewarded with a handsome sum. I certainly wish I had a platform like this during my playing days, not only for the financial reward but to showcase your talent on a global stage.”

With only 100 days to go, the six franchises will be busy finalising playing combinations and game plans. While the final fixtures are yet to be released, the brain trusts are preparing for all eventualities as they put the building blocks to their campaign in place.

© SA20