The first SA20 tournament was the perfect potion for South African cricket to get going again. With every boundary hit and wicket, one forgot a little more about the fiasco in the boardrooms and the struggle on the playing field against Australia.
Now the second version of the aim-and-moker tournament promises to build on this success. A bigger and brighter fireworks display, if you will.
One could probably use the team bosses as models for a toothpaste advertisement; after all, they smile very broadly these days.
Each team will now have R39.1 million – thanks to an additional injection of R5.1 million – in its bank account to attract some of the best local and international talent to its camp.
The groups have also been increased to 19 players, provided each team then has a young South African
(not over 22) form part of his intent. Each franchise must also contain a minimum of 11 local players.
On matchdays there may be four overseas players in the eleven.
“The new regulations will give the tournament a definite boost and sports fans can expect top quality cricket in the second season,” says Graeme Smith, tournament commissioner.
According to the former Protea captain, the tournament also keeps an eye on the future of South African cricket and the emphasis is placed on the development of young players.
“We have already seen some special performances by the younger players this year and the upcoming tournament will undoubtedly create another opportunity for them to showcase their skills.”
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape became the first winners of the SA20 tournament in February when they beat the Pretoria Capitals by four wickets in Johannesburg.
In addition to the heroics of experienced players such as Faf du Plessis, Aiden Markram, Jos Buttler and Roelof van der Merwe, Eathan Bosch also shone for his team.
The young Capitals player took the second most wickets for the Pretorians next to Anrich Nortjé. He sent 15 batters back to the locker room in his 12 games.
The former student of Hilton College was at his best in the semi-final against the Paarl Royals at the Wanderers when he hit 22 runs and took two wickets.
