Four IPL franchises interested in buying teams in CSA's new T20 league

Four Indian Premier League teams - Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals have expressed their desire to own franchises in South Africa's new T20 tournament. Apart from the four Indian teams, a consortium led by former England batter Kevin Pietersen is also keen on buying a team in the league. 

The tournament is set to get underway in January 2023 with six privately owned teams. The group stage will witness the teams taking on each other, home and away, completing a set of 30 matches before reaching the playoffs.

After failing twice in the bid to launch a T20 league with the Global League T20 (GLT20) in 2017 and the Mzansi Super League (MSL), this is CSA's third endeavour. As per a document shared at a special meeting of CSA's Members' Council, the board is in the process of creating the "second best T20 league in the world" after the Indian Premier League.

The document also admits that the gap between the IPL and other T20 leagues is impossible to bridge. Keeping in mind the situation, CSA will have its focus on settling for the second spot. 

Former chief operating officer (COO) of the IPL, Sundar Raman's involvement in the league, gives the much-needed support to the same to avoid the failures of the last two attempts. It is being reported that Raman holds a minority (12.5%) share in the tournament. CSA owns the majority of the share (57.5%), while broadcaster SuperSport owns the remaining 30%.

According to an estimate drawn by CSA, the yet to be named league will cost it USD 56 million over 10 years. The revenue count estimated is around USD 30 million in the same period. SuperSport will play a significant role in the route to profit as they are to spend USD 89 million for the league to be a success. The profit is all set to be divided 50-50 - in the first decade.