CSA T20 League: Graeme Smith appointed Commissioner of SA T20 league: Check OUT

CSA T20 League: Graeme Smith RETURNS to CSA fold again, appointed Commissioner of South Africa T20 league: Check OUT

Tuesday, Jul 19, 2022 11:25 pm

CSA T20 League: An IPL commentator will run South Africa’s latest attempt at a franchise league with all six teams owned by IPL franchises. Yes, what can be called a mini-IPL will have former Cricket South Africa chief Graeme Smith as its commissioner as he returns for a 2nd innings to try and revive their fortunes. […]

CSA T20 League: An IPL commentator will run South Africa’s latest attempt at a franchise league with all six teams owned by IPL franchises. Yes, what can be called a mini-IPL will have former Cricket South Africa chief Graeme Smith as its commissioner as he returns for a 2nd innings to try and revive their fortunes. Follow IPL 2023 & CSA T20 League LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.

The former South Africa captain did not renew his contract as the CSA director amid racism allegations and investigations. While he was cleared of all charges, he chose not to return and instead signed up as a commentator for IPL 2022.

CSA T20 League: Graeme Smith RETURNS to CSA fold again, appointed Commissioner of South Africa T20 league: Check OUT

CSA T20 League becomes MINI-IPL, all 6 teams bought by IPL Owners in South Africa’s newly launched T20 League: Check OUT

CSA T20 League: Graeme Smith RETURNS to CSA fold again, appointed Commissioner of South Africa T20 league: Check OUT

But the stakes are higher than ever for Cricket South Africa. The country’s board is not in great shape financially and has to depend on countries like India to generate revenue. That has also been difficult due to the Covid-19 pandemic. England’s decision to cancel the tour at 11th hour hurt the board financially. To bypass that and have its own revenue stream, CSA has now launched its own franchise league after failing to make it big in the past.

But it will be IPL which will rule. The league is a brainchild of Sundar Raman, former IPL COO and will have all six franchises run by IPL teams. The winner of the franchises will be announced only at the end of the month. But as per reports, owners have already been informed about their successful bids and have been asked for their choices of cities.

Cape Town Franchise: Mukesh Ambani (Mumbai Indians)
Johannesburg Franchise: N Srinivasan (Chennai Super Kings)
Pretoria Franchise: Parth Jindal (Delhi Capitals)
Durban Franchise: Sanjiv Goenka (Lucknow Super Giants)
Port Elizabeth Franchise: Maran Family (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Paarl Franchise: Manoj Badale (Rajasthan Royals)
League Commissioner: Graeme Smith

CSA T20 League: Graeme Smith RETURNS to CSA fold again, appointed Commissioner of South Africa T20 league: Check OUT

CSA T20 League: New challenge for Graeme Smith

While his experience working as the CSA director will be of immense help, Smith will have a big challenge in convincing star players to play in the league.
The other good thing is that Smith will have experience of IPL. As he has closely been associated with IPL and shares a great rapport with the BCCI, it will help him sail through.
The biggest problem will be scheduling as the CSA T20 League is certain to clash with at least four other T20 leagues.
The CSA has set January 2023 as its window. But BBL, UAE T20 League, BPL and even the PSL are expected to clash completely or at least in some parts.
Revenue will be another major talking point. Although the financial might of the IPL franchises will be a big boost, CSA will need to attract good sponsors to keep the league going.
It has been the biggest challenge for CSA in the past.

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