CSA unveils SA20 title, players auction date and more

SA20 league commissioner Graeme Smith (Getty)

Cricket South Africa’s new franchise-based T20 competition has been named as SA20 by the cricket board. The committee has also finalised a date for the player’s auction.

SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith unveils new updates regarding tournament

In a press conference on Wednesday August 31, SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith confirmed September 19 to be the date for the player auction.

As many as six franchises will be taking part in the inaugural edition of the tournament, which is slated to be played between January and February 2023. Notably, all six sides are owned by groups that owns teams within the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The player auction aside, the SA20 franchises have already begun recruitment process by signing a few cricketers from a group of marquee players. The maximum squad strength for the tournament has been finalized at 17.

Additionally, a total of 33 matches will be played in the inaugural season. Each side can feature a maximum of four overseas stars alongside seven South Africans in their playing XI, much like the IPL.

On the SA20 title, the former South African captain said:

“We selected a name for its simplicity and something that can be uniquely ours as we enter this new and exciting phase of cricket in South Africa. Dropping the T in T20 cricket shows our intention to be different. We want to change the game for our players and for our fans, and most importantly, create a League that all South Africans can be a part of.”

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