Johannesburg: Through a colourful function at the historic Wanderers Stadium, Cricket South Africa (CSA) launched its Twenty20 league, to be held during November-December this year. The logo of the league was unveiled through a spectacular laser show at the stadium.
CSA announced the name of the event, which was previously billed as the #T20 Global Destination League, will now be known as the T20 Global League. The logo, depicting the African continent along with the radiance on South Africa, replaced the word ‘destination’ with a visual reference. The logo was designed to visually position South Africa as a destination for global T20 cricket, and draws on the colours of an African sunrise: a hint of red on the horizon radiates a golden glow over the continent, with the brightest point highlighting South Africa.
The T20 Global League will present world class cricketers in cities and stadiums in South Africa when it begins.
Announcing the mission of the league, CSA President Chris Nenzani said: “It is our duty as Cricket South Africa to safeguard the future of the game. By backing a high-value tournament like the new T20 Global League, and investing in synergistic partnerships with key stakeholders, the T20 Global League is perfectly positioned to become an internationally successful sporting event.”
Haroon Lorgat, the CSA Chief Executive said: “Fans can look forward to epic game experiences, complimented by action-packed stadiums, big entertainment, top class broadcasters and accessible ticket prices. We can firmly say that the era of ‘sportainment’ has dawned upon us. It’s now South Africa’s time to capitalise while reigniting and celebrating our love for the game.”
Eight teams will contest the event and the successful team owners will be announced on June 19 in London alongside the eight allocated Marquee players. The process of applying to own and operate a team had opened on February 4.
The function was attended by cricketers Ashwell Prince and Makhaya Ntini and Robin Peterson. Ntini bowled to Prince at the centre pitch of the stadium before the logo was unveiled through the laser show. On the screen, the action of not only South Africa’s class players like AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, David Miller were shown but almost all the world’s top Twenty20 stars — like Chris Gayle, Lasith Malinga, Kevin Pietersen and Kieron Pollard, who all could be in action in the league.
South Africa’s top players — who are in the UK to play in the Champions Trophy — commented on the event, with their star all-rounder JP Duminy saying: “We are counting the days to this wonderful tournament and excitement is building within the Proteas camp and I know of a few international players who can’t wait to get in on the action.
Hard-hitter David Miller remarked: “The excitement levels are starting to rise and the anticipation of a world class T20 League in South Africa is a surreal feeling. Now that this awesome logo and tournament name has been revealed, we are definitely counting down the weeks ahead of the first ball of the T20 Global League.”
