The preparation for the upcoming Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 League is in full swing. Most recently, Mumbai Indians owned franchise have unveiled their name, and now, according to reports, former India captain and star wicketkeeper batsman MS Dhoni could become CSK owned Johannesburg franchise’s mentor for the upcoming season.
The BCCI organised Indian Premier League (IPL) has set a benchmark today. It has played a massive role in development of Indian players and cricket in India in general. And now, many countries are preferring to go this route.
While previously we had some notable leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the tradition of T20 league cricket is now expanding worldwide with UAE and South Africa coming into the fray.
There is also a change in tradition among the IPL franchises. While they were at first only involved in a month and a half IPL league, but now are expanding their branding outside of India. It was first started by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who acquired Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Premier League.
Following the same route, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the 2nd most successful franchise in the IPL history, has also expanded outside India. They are now investing in the South African T20 League and have bought the Johannesburg franchise.
While it is yet not confirmed as to what will be the team’s name in the league, it is now being reported that if given permission by the BCCI, MS Dhoni could become the mentor of the Johannesburg franchise.
Earlier, reports also claimed that Johannesburg will field yellow jersey just like CSK and will have their CSK team’s coach Stephen Fleming as the head coach of the team. While there are a number of names being considered, but, the team is likely to carry forward the Super Kings branding and the team could be named either Johannesburg Super Kings or Joburg Super Kings as per reports.