New Delhi: There is every possibility of a 'mini IPL' happening in South Africa, as the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have bought all the six teams in the auction for the upcoming new T20 league in South Africa, ESPNCricinfo reported. The first-ever edition of the league is scheduled for January, next year.
The auction took place on Wednesday, July 13, in which 29 investors placed bids. It is believed that it was IPL franchises that dominated the auction. As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding the auction. It is possible that Cricket South Africa will make a formal announcement by the end of this month.
As per the ESPNCricinfo report, five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians bought the Cape Town team, four-time winners Chennai Super Kings bought the Johannesburg franchise. Delhi Capitals bought Pretoria, Lucknow Super Giants picIPL ked up Durban, Sunrisers Hyderabad bought Port Elizabeth and Rajasthan Royals bought the Paarl franchise.
MI and CSK made the biggest financial bid, which is close to Rs 250 crore. As per the IPL model, each franchise will have to pay 10 percent of the franchise fee for 10 years.
Former South African cricketer Graeme Smith has been appointed as commissioner of the new T20 league. This is the first time that a cricketer will lead a T20 franchise league. This league is supported by Cricket South Africa. The idea of starting this league is from Sundar Raman, the former Chief Operating Officer of IPL.
In the last few years, T20 franchise leagues have started around the world on the lines of IPL and are becoming very successful in almost every country. Cricket South Africa was also trying to start such a league for a long time. It is believed that Cricket South Africa will get a lot of financial support from this league.