The Joburg Super Kings have named batsman Faf du Plessis for the inaugural edition of the SA20.
The Johannesburg team is owned by Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited, who also own a franchise in the Indian Premier League.
Du Plessis used to play for the Super Kings in the IPL before moving to the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
What du Plessis said
“I think the SA20 is going to be incredibly crucial for the sustainability of South African cricket” said du Plessis.
“I’ve almost been seeing first-hand the difference that league cricket can have on a country’s cricket. Certainly been involved with the IPL for the last 10 to 11 years. You see the difference that it makes to the young generation and the young players, especially in that Indian cricket team and environment.
“That knowledge and wisdom and experience that you can share across with your young talent in your own country, I think that’s extremely important for the growth of the national team.
“We haven’t had that for the last two or three years now but this opportunity that the guys have set up, it’s going to be hugely beneficial for South African cricket.
“The powerhouse that it brings to South African cricket in terms of coaching, players around the world and opportunity for South African cricket, it’s so important for a country’s future in terms of the game itself, to have a strong T20 domestic league.
“And the way they’ve set up this league now looks like it’s going to be one of the big leagues across the globe.”
Joburg Super Kings’ signings so far
The Joburg Super Kings signed England all-rounder Moeen Ali, Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana, West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd and Knights seamer Gerald Coetzee prior to 19 September 2022’s player auction.
They will be able to complete the remainder of the 17-player squad at the auction.
The first match of the SA20 will be played on 17 January 2023.
More SA20 news
- UPDATED: CSA T20 league squads
- What will each player be paid in new T20 league?
- Anrich Nortje to play for Pretoria Capitals
- MI Cape Town sign Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis
- Corbin Bosch to play for Paarl Royals
- Prenelan Subrayen signs for Durban franchise
- Albie Morkel joins Joburg Super Kings coaching staff
- Ottneil Baartman to play for Sunrsiers Eastern Cape
- Lance Klusener named coach of Durban franchise
- Graeme Smith appointed league commissioner