We finally have a name for the new South African T20 league – the Mzansi Super League (MSL) – which will be played from November 16 to December 16.Cricket South Africa promised a uniquely local name for the competition, which is a far cry from the now-stillborn T20 Global League.“I would like to thank everyone involved in putting this milestone project together,” Cricket SA chief executive Thabang Moroe said on Friday.“We look forward to welcoming, and being entertained by, some of the world’s best cricketers. We are also confident that the MSL will serve the dual objective of becoming a launch-pad for our next generation of T20 talent.“The event tagline is ‘FUN. FAST. FOR ALL’, which speaks volumes about the competition’s concept, as well as the unique Mzansi touch and appeal that we want to showcase to the world.”MSL tournament director Russell Adams said the thinking behind the name and logo was about being “united through the strength of cricket”.“This competition will be a combination of the game’s traditions as well as new-age elements such as the presence of personalities like we have never seen before…a feast of cricket and entertainment,” Adams said.
“The solid tone of the logo speaks to a bond that we have as a nation, united through the strength of cricket. We want every South African to feel that they are a part of a league which celebrates our cultural diversity.”Now that there is a name and six venues chosen – Newlands, Boland Park in Paarl, Wanderers, SuperSport Park, St George’s Park and Kingsmead – the next step in the competition is getting the players in place.That will happen on Monday, when the international signings, marquee Proteas players and the names of the six teams will be announced at what has been called a ‘Player Draft Matrix’ in Johannesburg.“We can assure fans that the talent set to participate in the MSL T20 will be top-class, featuring our established Proteas alongside their international counterparts, while also showcasing our up-and-coming local talent.“We invite all South Africans to come out in their numbers to be part of this dynamic and exciting addition to the South African sporting calendar,” said MSL T20 playing affairs director Corrie van Zyl.A fixture list, ticket information and broadcast times will be announced next week.
