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Eight team owners announced for South Africa’s new T20 Global League

Good to see Pak sourced teams in SA.

J Afridi doing a good job for Pakistan's image.
 
Will Darren Sammy play in the global T20? He was slotted as a marquee player but was signed up by a BPL team.
 
Cricketing royalty and the Winelands will be synonymous with each other this summer as the T20 Global League (T20GL) paves the way for the Stellenbosch Monarchs to set their sights on winning the inaugural edition of this global cricket extravaganza.

As the only ICC accredited stadium in the region, the Monarchs will make Boland Park in Paarl their official home and are the latest T20GL franchise to unveil its name and logo.

In further exciting news for the franchise, legendary former New Zealand Captain, Stephen Fleming, has been appointed head coach with former Proteas coach Eric Simons appointed as his assistant. Fleming owns a series of records and is widely considered as his country's most successful captain and one of their best batsmen, after an international career that spanned 15 years. In a real cricketing coup for the Monarchs, the combination of New Zealand’s most successful captain and Western Cape cricketing stalwart Simons can only spell success for the team.

Faf du Plessis, Protea and T20 Global League marquee player, said, “It’s great to have the experience and knowledge of a world great like Stephen Fleming in our set up.

“I’m really looking forward to playing at Boland Park. Having a local T20 league will attract some big names to this beautiful part of our country and I’m privileged to be representing this team,” explained the Proteas Test and T20 captain.

Fleming said, “We want to play an exciting brand of cricket and challenge for top honours. Together with Eric Simons, we aim to bring out the best in the team from the onset.”

The Winelands provides the perfect setting for the action-packed T20 league thanks to its warm Mediterranean climate. The people are well known for their love of sport and with the university town Stellenbosch close by, the many students will lend a fresh-faced energy to the fast-paced League.

Fans will also be impressed by Boland Park’s recent refurbishment to the tune of R32-million. Having recognised the need to improve stadium facilities, Cricket South Africa have earmarked a substantial budget to ensure multiple stadium upgrades are made at a national level, bringing them up to a world-class standard. Work has begun and will be completed before the start of the new season and before the much-anticipated T20 Global League tournament kicks off in November 2017.

CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat added, “We are currently engaged in promising discussions with several interested parties, both local and abroad, who are interested in owning the Stellenbosch franchise.”

With Paarl as the host city, credit must also be given to the Drakenstein Municipality whose R9-million contribution is ensuring upgrades to the floodlights. In addition, upgrades are underway in ticketing systems, changing rooms and seating areas providing an improved experience for fans and players.

“We are proud to be a host city and offer our support to the T20 Global League. This is an amazing opportunity for our whole region to be part of a world-class, international cricket league - something that we haven’t had the chance to do in over 50 years. I know the communities from towns surrounding Paarl, like Wellington, Franschhoek, Worcester, Ceres, Robertson and Stellenbosch will get behind the team,” says Drakenstein Local Municipality Mayor, Conrad Poole.

The logo’s design was inspired by the mountains of the Cape Winelands which provides a distinctive icon at the heart of the Monarch’s crest. Mountains are a unifying feature of the region and symbolically represent the team’s ambition to achieve great heights and their strong spirit. These mountains are encircled by a protective royal crown representing the pride in the region the team plays for and the qualities of excellence and leadership. The choice of burgundy and blue reflects the areas’ long association with winemaking and the intense blue skies, whilst the bright cyan and gold elements give the crest its vibrancy, energy and youth-appeal.

The player draft is scheduled for 26-27 August, with almost 400 players from 10 countries confirming their interest.
 
Like Sarfarazian said "Qalandar" is a Pakistani name and goes with Pakistani teams.

Vikings Kings etc are all English names but we know English Is widely accepted. Worldwide.

Names aren't important but still it would sound weird wouldnt it. Maybe next time a SA team would be named Cape Town Indians. How would that sound :shakib
qalander is widely popular term even in middleeast, turkey, iran and subcontinent...
but zalmi is only used by pathan brothers.
 
Benoni Zalmi Logo Launched

Peshawar Zalmi and Benoni Zalmi Media Department


Benoni Zalmi Logo Launched in Benoni High SchoolBenoni Zalmi shows their class

Benoni, South Africa: The Benoni Zalmi Logo was launched in a unique manner here earlier today at Benoni High School, showing the importance of youth and engaging with the community to the Zalmi family.

To connect with their fans and inspiring the next generation, they went to the heart of the city and launched their logo in front of 1,000 children, giving their fans a taste of what’s to come.

Mr E Rooyakkers, Deputy Principal, was Master of Ceremonies and introduced Rowan Fernàndez, goalkeeper for the South African national team as the first speaker.

As an alum of Benoni High School, Fernàndez spoke to the crowd about Benoni Zalmi’s efforts and future plans, together with the reason behind his getting involved.

Next, Eastern Cricket CEO Cassim Suliman and President of Eastern Cricket Union, Gary Corin spoke about the Global T20 League. They also acknowledged Mr Javed Afridi’s vision and passion and expressed their support for the team.

Taking the stage, Chairman Benoni Zalmi and Peshawar Zalmi, Mr Javed Afridi said, “We aim to use sports to transform communities globally. Through Benoni Zalmi we aim to empower youth and women, and make significant contributions to sport development and education in Benoni.”

The audience showed such passion that, Mr Javed Afridi announced they would be getting tickets for the first home game, which was a wonderful surprise.

Rounding off the day’s activities, Mr G Van Der Westhuizen, the Acting Principal of Benoni High School expressed his admiration for Benoni Zalmi and his satisfaction with the event as well.

Following today’s event, Mr Javed Afridi will unveil the Head Coach of his team on 21st August.

On 27th August all 8 teams of the Global T20 League will pick their squads in a much-awaited draft in Cape Town.
 
Benoni Zalmi to face Shah Rukh Khan's Cape Town Knight Riders in Global T20

Javed Afridi's ultimate dream of having a T20 match between champion teams of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) may have taken a backseat for now but South Africa's Global T20 League has given the Pakistani entrepreneur an opportunity to pit his team against a team owned by none other than Shah Rukh Khan.

Afridi, who's Benoni Zalmi team logo was launched at a high school in the suburb east of Johannesburg on Friday, is building the match against SRK's Cape Town Knight Riders as a virtual Indo-Pak match which in his words would be a "marquee clash" in the first T20 global league in the continent.

"Today was a big day for me, personally. There was so much enthusiasm amongst the locals. These people from Benoni are the real owners of our franchise and not me," Afridi told India Today from South Africa.

Posters of Benoni vs Cape Town being 'the league's version of Pak vs India' and carrying photographs of Afridi and Shah Rukh are already doing the rounds in social media. The Benoni Zalmi team will be led by Proteas opener and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

"I own Peshawar Zalmi team in the PSL and so badly wished that IPL champions and my team, the PSL winners, should have three-match T20 series. Unfortunately, the present circumstances don't allow that to materialise. Inshallah, this could be a reality in future. But for now, I am happy and excited to see my Benoni team taking on SRK's Cape Town Knight Riders. There is so much diaspora from both the countries in South Africa and neighbouring Zimbabwe too. This will be like an India vs Pakistan game. And, let us not forget that Delhi Daredevlis owner GMR Sports also own the Johannesburg franchise. So, there will be a lot of action in store," said Afridi.

The player draft is scheduled to be held on Saturday with Cricket South Africa (CSA) claiming that almost 400 players from 10 countries have confirmed their interest to participate in the new league.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/...south-africa-global-t20-league/1/1029040.html
 
Benoni Zalmi Coach and Peshawar Zalmi Foundation Visit School and Orphanage

Chairman, Head Coach and others engage with the community


Benoni, South Africa: "Earlier today, the Chairman of Benoni Zalmi, Mr Javed Afridi, the Benoni Zalmi Head Coach, Graeme Smith and officials from the Peshawar Zalmi Foundation visited a local school and an orphanage.
The guests shared the excitement of Benoni's own team in the upcoming league with children at the school and orphanage by distributing gifts and lunch packs.

Benoni Zalmi will play in the upcoming Global T20 League, organized by Cricket South Africa, along with 7 other teams.

After revealing the Benoni Zalmi logo and announcing Graeme Smith as the Head Coach, this is the first major activity that the team has undertaken.

Mr Afridi said, “The true essence of the Zalmi family is to give back to the community. Benoni Zalmi is Benoni’s own and a South African team, first and foremost. Investing in youth has always been at the heart of our strategy and we want to engage with the community to motivate young Zalmis, who in turn inspire us to do more.

Similar to Peshawar Zalmi’s efforts to empower women and enhance social outreach in Pakistan, we aim to do the same in South Africa with Benoni Zalmi.”

All the 8 teams taking part in the Global T20 League will pick their squads in a highly-anticipated draft in Cape Town on 27th August."
 
PORT ELIZABETH: The Nelson Mandela Bay Stars made international sporting history today when it was announced they would be the first team in the world to carry the name of the greatest South African of them all in the inaugural T20 Global League.

Nelson Mandela had a dream to unite a nation, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stars have assembled a dream team to honour his name. Team owner Ajay Sethi, a Dubai-based businessman and media entrepreneur, has brought together some of the biggest names in South African cricket.

The Stars will be led by Proteas’ legend Mark Boucher, who will be the head coach. His team will include former Zimbabwean bowler and current national coach of his country Heath Streak (bowling coach) and Warriors coach Malibongwe Maketa (assistant coach). They will be guided by the experienced Goolam Rajah (team director), who spent 20 years with the South African national team.

Makhaya Ntini, a proud son of the Eastern Cape who was discovered playing on the fields of Mdingi, will provide inspiration as an ambassador for the team, along with former Eastern Province legend Graeme Pollock. Ntini was the first black African to play for South Africa, with a combined 656 wickets in 274 Tests and One-Day Internationals for his country. Boucher and Ntini have walked a long path together for South Africa, both making their ODI debuts in the same match against New Zealand in 1998, with the wicketkeeper taking the catch to give Ntini his first international wicket.

The great West Indian, Clive Lloyd, who destroyed bowling with a heavy bat swung by those massive shoulders, will grace the dream team as an ambassador. Rohan Gavaskar, the former Indian cricketer and son of the great Sunil, will come on board as the team’s media director and spokesperson.

“We wanted a team that would be founded with the same values that guided Madiba,” said Sethi. “My thanks to the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality for embracing us with such generosity. For us, this team is about being a big part of the Nelson Mandela Bay community and the Eastern Cape for years to come. We want the Nelson Mandela Bay Stars to be the People’s Team.”

Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Athol Trollip said he believed the Stars had chosen a great management team to lead a side that would bear the name of Madiba.

“When I first met Ajay and they spoke to us about his ideas, I realised we are really blessed,” said Trollip. “We know the honour the name of Nelson Mandela and to have someone like Ajay wanting to invest in our city shows that this city is on the up. We look forward to the journey together.”

“This exactly what we wanted to see – our T20GL franchise owners teaming with the local municipalities and building affinity with the local communities,” said Haroon Lorgat, CEO of Cricket South Africa. “We wish Ajay and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stars all the best with their T20GL campaign.”

The dream team is:
Ajay Sethi – Team Owner
Goolam Rajah – Team Director
Mark Boucher – Head Coach
Malibongwe Maketa – Assistant Coach
Heath Streak – Bowling Coach
Hendrikus Coertzen – Analyst
Evan Speechly – Physiotherapist
Makhaya Ntini – Team Ambassador
Graeme Pollock – Team Ambassador
Clive Lloyd – Team Ambassador
Rohan Gavaskar – Media Director
 
Pretoria’s T20 Global League Squad ready to rumble

Meet the Pretoria Mavericks – fronted by big names Protea star batsman in AB de Villiers and Coach Russell Domingo

Pretoria – The Pretoria based T20 Global League franchise today officially announced their team name and logo, with the squad all set to enter into South Africa’s exciting new T20 competition.

The Pretoria Mavericks will see Russell Domingo take charge as coach while superstar Proteas batsman and local boy, AB de Villiers, will carry the mantle as the team’s Protea marquee player.

Domingo is widely credited with guiding the Proteas through one of its most successful periods. Gearing up for the #T20GL, Domingo will be flanked by two former Proteas players, Lance Klusener and Neil McKenzie. Former Protea all-rounder, Klusener, will work as the bowling coach while McKenzie is on board as Domingo’s Assistant Coach.

As the allocated Protea Marquee player for the Pretoria Mavericks, De Villiers is looking forward to a successful #T20GL campaign.

“Pretoria is a city close to my heart, and close to my family. I love playing at SuperSport Park,” says De Villiers.

“I can’t wait for the competition to get underway and the prospect of playing against my teammates and some of the world’s best players is an exciting one and I can feel the anticipation building,” added De Villiers.

The Pretoria Mavericks franchise is owned by Hermis Sports Ventures Ltd, which is a consortium between Hermis Vacations Ltd (UK), Percept Ltd (India), Rajhans Group of Industries (India), with South African Mr Osman Osman of local events and entertainment company, Blu Blood taking a stake in the team.

“Pretoria serves as the seat of the South African government and now, our franchise will look to establish the Pretoria Mavericks as the seat of power for the T20 Global League,” says Mr. Jayesh Desai, Group Chairman, Rajhans Group.

John Wright, Northerns Cricket Union President said: “With the T20 Global League taking centre stage this summer, I am looking forward to the prospect of welcoming the Pretoria Mavericks to SuperSport Park. Having met with the owners I have no doubt that the new franchise will continue to uphold SuperSport Park’s legacy as a world-renowned family stadium."

LOGO RATIONALE

Our Coat of Arms embodies the dynamism and nonconformist attitude of the team through the use of typography that represents movement, dimension, speed and aggression.

The Pretoria Mavericks own the spectrum of blue, symbolic of the endless sky in the horizon and the deepest ocean is our playing filed.

Occupying the centre stage of our Coat of Arms is the Maverick in his full glory donning the battle kit of Pretoria Mavericks. We are warriors, coming together as a team of champions forming the shield of victory.

The T20 Global League Player Draft will be held this weekend (26 -27 August 207), with almost 400 players from 13 countries expressing their interest.

The tournament, which features eight franchises, runs from November 3 to December 16, 2017.

PretoriaMavericks_logomark_rgb.jpg
 
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CAPE TOWN - The T20 Global League unveiled a whirlwind start to its inaugural season when the final match schedule was released in Cape Town on Monday.

The League starts with a typical north-south derby between the Cape Town Knight Riders and the Pretoria Mavericks at Newlands on Friday, November 3. This will be followed by two double-headers on the Saturday and Sunday. In all, five different venues will host the opening weekend of matches which will see all eight franchises in action.

There will be double-headers every weekend as well as several in midweek as the League holds 57 matches in the space of 44 action-packed days. There are three built-in rest/travel days, similar to the famous Tour de France cycle race schedule, to give the squads some respite in a tournament that is going to test the endurance of all the squads.

To add to the excitement there is a one-off final between the top two finishers on the log and no opportunity for teams to get in through the back door of an eliminator or qualifier.

“There is quite literally going to be non-stop action of the highest international quality from the League opener on November 3 right through to the final on December 16,” commented T20 Global League Tournament Director, Russell Adams. “South African sport has never experienced anything quite like this before and I am absolutely confident that the T20 Global League will take the sport entertainment industry in this country to a new level.

“Can you imagine the excitement on our opening night at iconic Newlands when two of the greatest players in the history of the T20 format, AB de Villiers of the Pretoria Mavericks, and Chris Gayle of the Cape Town Knight Riders, go head to head?

“There will be similar excitement as the League moves around the country to our other host venues with a myriad of international and South African stars in action. And watch out for the emergence of exciting young South African talent as our rookies are inspired by some of the big names in their squads. This has been a feature of the franchise T20 tournaments around the world,” concluded Adams.T20 GL Fixtures Schedule (3).jpg
 
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http://m.sport24.co.za/sport24/Cricket/t20-lorgat-promises-tiered-pricing-20170830

Cape Town – Getting bums on seats countrywide will be a pivotal part of Cricket South Africa’s attempt to get the new T20 Global League off to a suitably rollicking start this season.

With its unashamed emphasis on an “entertainment” theme virtually parallel to pure sporting considerations, the eight-team, city-branded tournament will struggle for key early traction if played out before noticeably modest stadium attendances.

Given the challenging economic landscape in the country, robust gates can hardly be taken for granted, and affordability of tickets will potentially be as important as the appeal of the various big names on paper who will be gracing the event.

In an interview with Sport24, CSA chief excutive Haroon Lorgat acknowledged they needed to launch with a bang in 2017.


“I think any new product that you launch, whether you are talking cricket or even things like the clothing on your back, you have got to make the right impact, otherwise it is very difficult to come back from there.

“We are giving it our best, because we have got to make season one a success.

“Ticket arrangements will be announced very, very shortly. The intention was always to open the process after the player draft.

“There is a lot of technical stuff required in getting the ticketing process right, because we are selling globally as well. So the systems and software have had to be (attended to); that is just about sewn up.

“We had to get the agreement of owners as well; they are actually their tickets, so we needed their go-ahead in using a particular platform.”

Would there be a sliding scale of prices, thus interesting as many enthusiasts as possible?

“Correct, it will not be different to our current pricing models for franchise or international cricket,” he said.

“Some seats are at a premium: you will have hospitality where some suites are in better places than others, and then you have your (public) standing or grass banks, so there will definitely be a kind of tiered pricing structure.”

Lorgat acknowledged “some disappointment” at the lack of South African ownership among the franchises.

Only the Pretoria Mavericks, with a consortium headed by entertainment industry figure Osman Osman, come under domestic control, after Brimstone pulled the plug on their intended involvement with the Stellenbosch Monarchs.

“I think economics are at play to an extent, and perhaps a lack of appreciation for this sort of a franchise team model, generating revenues literally out of sporting entertainment.

“Yes, we are disappointed, we really wanted more South African involvement, but we are also pragmatic. Maybe it was a bit beyond both the financial purse and the understanding of how this particular game works … but it’s what it is, in the end.”

He did not write off potential South African investors latching on at a later stage.

“It will depend on existing owners wishing to sell some of their equity. There is an initial lock-in period of three years, where we don’t allow any changes.

“But it is highly possible some of these foreign ownership figures will come in and strike up relationships with local entrepreneurs, high net-worth individuals, corporates, and they may want to strategically sell a stake and get a South African influence on board.”

Lorgat said he was not concerned by the introduction of certain brand names not instantly familiar to many in the SA cricket marketplace … for example, the Durban Qalanders (an extension of the Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalanders, owned by Qatar Lubricants Company) or Benoni Zalmi.

“Don’t forget the city name clearly (comes first). As I may have mentioned before, for us the League is about cricket, but also about city, and country. We are actively encouraging the promotion of those city names -- that’s where South Africa goes to the globe.

“But equally we bring in this different culture, different expertise, different people, and we look to just improve our knowledge-base, our diversity.

“Those names have huge followings elsewhere in the world. There’s a big wide world out there. We know a narrow part of the world … it’s about opening our own minds.

“Qalanders have already shown us amazing things in terms of their development programmes (in Pakistan). You’ll be amazed. What attracted us to them was that they said ‘this is what we want to replicate in South Africa’.

“They are passionate about youth. Of course cricket is what they love, but they are passionate about youth opportunity.

“We don’t have all the skills, all the resources, and if they have a successful model that they could implement even half of over here, it will be 10 times more than we can do at this stage with our limited resources.

“That expertise from across the world will stand us in very good stead.”
 
https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket...-the-t20-global-league-show-to-begin-11047649

The Durban Qalanders landed the first surprise of the T20 Global League draft, as they decided against the local knowledge of Kevin Pietersen as an overseas player, and opted for Eoin Morgan instead.

From the first reveal, back in a plush London hotel, the maverick known as “KP” had maintained that Durban would be the most logical destination for him.

Raised here, bred here, and a Dolphins overseas player in recent years, it did make sense. But, this is a new era, and the chance to establish new links.

The Qalanders management played their hand early, and Pietersen will instead turn out for the Nelson Mandela Bay Stars, where he will link up with his regular golfing buddy Mark Boucher.


The Qalanders’ coach Paddy Upton and Proteas marquee star Hashim Amla will have had a very busy week, analysing just what would serve the needs of the Durban franchise best.

Durban also had the fortune of having the first pick of the main draft last Sunday morning, and their mind would have been made up well in advance.

In Chris Morris they have acquired the services of one of South Africa’s premier all-rounders, and a player who has shown an ability to win games with bat or ball.

Tellingly, he has also elevated that game to the next level, playing a strong hand in the Indian Premier League.

Those credentials would have been enough to convince many a suitor to pay top-dollar for the lanky Morris, and he knows that much is expected.

“I’m looking forward to being based in Durban,” Morris said. “I was quite surprised to be the first pick. Humbled, actually,” he added.

Morris was followed by the international skills of players such as Englishman Sam Billings, Kiwi Mitchell McClenaghan, Pakistanis Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hafeez, and supplemented by the likes of Junior Dala, Cody Chetty, Kelly Smuts and Bjorn Fortuin.

They also have a strong KZN flavour, with Dolphins players such as Prenelan Subrayan and Mthokozisi Shezi providing experience, while the fit-again Daryn Dupavillon could be a surprise package.

He is rumoured to have picked up a yard of pace, and is looking to again establish himself in the Dolphins set-up. By the time November comes around, he may well be up to full speed, and chomping at the bit to play on a bigger stage.

But, for all the local potential, the owners and fans will be looking to the heavyweights in the squad to deliver.

Zaman is coming off a stellar Champions Trophy tournament, where he shone as Pakistan’s rock at the top of the order.

Hafeez needs no introduction, as the veteran has delivered on the international stage for over a decade.

The left-armer McLenaghan enjoyed Kingsmead when he toured with the Kiwis, and he will provide some handy variety to the attack.

Before the draft, there was little for the fans to truly grasp and hold onto. Now, with a full squad of players, a logo, a fixture list and a vision revealing itself, the journey to November suddenly looks much shorter.

Between now and then, there will be significant promotion of all these names that are new or distant to the Durban market.

Somewhere, in amongst the domestic fixtures, there will be posters popping up all over the city, adorning poles with the Qalander hues, as Lahore comes to Natal.

This will no half-hearted gesture, either. The Rana brothers, led by the gregarious Fawad Rana, have expressed their desire to really leave an imprint on their adopted home.

They plan to drive the length and breadth of Natal, inspiring and touching lives.

They did the same back home, with thousands of applicants turning out, trying to be part of their Lahore Qalanders’ franchise.

There will be no need for that scale of trials here, with all the players already in place. What they will look to recruit is an army of fans, thousands who will flock to Kingsmead and take their new franchise to heart.

Nearly all the pieces of the puzzle are in place, but the fans are that final link. If they show up, then all the investment, all the effort, the agonising and the excitement will be worth it.

In just nine weeks, the show begins. The Qalanders will be ready.

Durban Qalandars Squad

Hashim Amla, Fakhar Zaman, Eoin Morgan, Mohammad Hafeez, Nicky van den Bergh, Chris Morris, Qaasim Adams, Mitchell McLenaghan, Bjorn Fortuin, Junior Dala, Prenelan Subrayan, Cody Chetty, Daryn Dupavillon, Sam Billings, Kelly Smuts, Marques Ackerman, Mthokozisi Shezi, Migael Pretorius.
 
From Punjab to Paarl – Bollywood actress and IPL Kings XI Punjab team co-owner, Preity Zinta, has been confirmed as the owner of the Stellenbosch franchise team in the T20 Global League.

Zinta’s acquisition means that all eight teams in the T20GL are now sold.

“I am extremely proud to announce and warmly welcome Preity Zinta to South Africa and the T20 Global League family,” said Cricket SA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.

“The introduction of a Bollywood star like Preity Zinta speaks volumes for the T20 Global League and finalizes an eminent and enviable group of owners. Her experience and stardom will add value to the T20GL.

“It pays to work diligently and to be patient when setting up a League of the magnitude we envisage,” concluded Lorgat.

Zinta became the owner of the Kings Punjab XI in 2008 and at that stage was the only woman owner of an IPL team.

In the #T20GL, it’s a similar situation as she looks to turn the Paarl-based franchise into a winner.

“I would like to compliment and thank Haroon Lorgat from Cricket South Africa for his unrelenting persistence, passion & belief in the T20 Global league which inspired me to come on board,” said Zinta.

“I firmly believe that this is the most exciting time for young South African cricketing talent. This league will give them an opportunity to take the leap from becoming the best in the country to becoming the best in the world.

“I hope the people of the winelands area of South Africa have an unrivalled fan experience during this tournament and believe together we will make our team and stadium something very special,” explained Zinta.

Protea Marquee player for the Stellenbosch franchise, Faf du Plessis, expressed delight at learning about Zinta being his new team owner.

“I’m very excited to see that Preity Zinta has come on board. I have heard from my team mates that she is very good to work with, so I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing how she impacts our team space. She is also very passionate about the sport and I am sure local fans will have an awesome time at Boland Park,” commented Du Plessis.

Ms Zinta is expected to visit South Africa during next week.

The Stellenbosch team play their first home game on Saturday, 4 November at Boland Park, Paarl at 2.30pm (local time) against the Jo’burg Giants.
 
Preity Zinta owner of IPL Team KXIP buys Stellenbosch franchise in T20 Global League

So now 3 teams are owned by IPL owner.5 by Indians.7 by foreigners in this league.

Even the team owned by Osman Osman has significant Indian holdings.
 
Cape Town – Following the recent announcement of the new T20 Global League, Stellenbosch franchise owner, Preity Zinta, today revealed the team’s new name and logo at a luncheon in the heart of the Cape Winelands, at the prestigious Val de Vie Estate.

Well-known Bollywood actress and Indian Premier League (IPL) Kings XI Punjab team co-owner Zinta opted to name her team Stellenbosch Kings (#SBKings), aligning with her current global strategy.

As the only female owner in the T20 Global League, Zinta is clear about putting her own stamp on the brand. “The shield signifies strength and power, the colour red shows passion, and the lion represents the South African fighting spirit,” said Zinta, speaking from the reveal.

“This message is for all the women out there - I hope every South African woman supports the Stellenbosch Kings, no matter what part of the country they live in. Girl power!” she emphasised.

Drakenstein Municipality Councillor Rean Smuts showed his firm support for Zinta’s ownership. “The City of Drakenstein is proud to be a host city for the T20 Global League and offer you our full support. This is an amazing opportunity for the region, as well as our country, to be part of a world-class cricket league. It is the perfect opportunity to show the world what we have to offer in terms of tourism.”

“Preity is analytical, knowledgeable and experienced being a co-owner in the IPL. She knows what she wants and has the vision to make it all happen, including the financial planning and brand building that goes with owning a team,” said Haroon Lorgat, Chief Executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA).

Having recognised the need for Boland Park’s refurbishment, CSA has already invested R32-million to improve the stadium facilities ahead of the tournament kick off on Friday, 3 November.

“We thank the Drakenstein Municipality for also contributing significantly to the stadium upgrades in order to provide world-class facilities. As the only ICC accredited stadium in the region, we look forward to hosting the Stellenbosch Kings as well as fans from all over the world at Boland Park.”

“With all eight owners in place it’s now full steam ahead to the League’s kick off in November. The competition has created excitement and is eagerly awaiting the best cricketers competing for the first T20 Global League title,” concluded Lorgat.

The Stellenbosch Kings play their first home game on Saturday, 4 November at Boland Park, Paarl at 2.30pm (local time) against the Jo’burg Giants.
 
Why do women feel like they need to disassociate themselves with men and rally 'against' them, or for 'certain sides'? I get why she named her team "Kings" but the gender comment is just another marketing ploy but it has no backbone to it.

Just ridiculous.
 
Media Release
Kieron Pollard to lead Bloem City Blazers in T20 GL
Thursday, 5 October 2017

Kieron Pollard, the West Indies all-rounder, has been named as captain of the Bloem City Blazers for the inaugural T20 Global League starting in South Africa in November. The explosive player has had several involvements in leaderships roles, and has previously captained the Mumbai Indians (IPL) and recently the Barbados Tridents in the 2017 edition of the Caribbean Premier League.

Head coach, Phil Simmons, says Pollard brings a number of valuable qualities to the role, along with supreme international and domestic T20 experience: “Polly is a World-Cup winning player and has won numerous T20 domestic titles across the globe; his leadership is a vital asset to the Bloem City Blazers. He brings with him a deep understanding of the game and the energy and passion to inspire the squad in our first attempt at T20 Global League success.”

The 30-year-old has played 56 T20 Internationals and 387 domestic T20 matches in a decade-long career of T20 cricket.
Pollard says leading a group of talented and skilful players from around the world will be an opportunity to create a competitive, high-performing and enjoyable environment.

"I'm honoured to be leading this immensely talented group of players,” he said.

“Every year I come back to South Africa and I am made to feel incredibly welcome. The T20 Global League is a new and exciting competition and looking at the squad we've put together I'm confident our brand of cricket will light up Bloemfontein and give the fans cause to cheer.

“We want to start with real momentum and the fans being behind us from the outset is important. We've got world-class talent that covers every base in the Bloem City Blazers squad, the ingredients are all there to make the T20 Global League a successful tournament for us.

“I've either played with or against most of the guys so they'll be familiar with how I lead a group. If we perform our roles and show the fighting spirit from the outset we will be formidable opponents. I can't wait for the first game."

The Bloem City Blazers squad is supported by a number of players who have captained teams across various domestic T20 competitions- Ryan ten Doeschate (Essex), David Miller (Kings XI Punjab), Aaron Phangiso (Highveld Lions), Morne van Wyk (Dolphins), Theunis de Bruyn (Knights) and Werner Coetsee (Knights)- a solid base of experience supporting a host of rising young stars.

The Bloem City Blazers will open their T20 Global League campaign against Cape Town Knight Riders at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on November 5th.

Bloem City Blazers squad: David Miller (batsman), Kieron Pollard (all-rounder), Dane Paterson (bowler), Chris Jordan (bowler), Dwayne Smith (all-rounder), Shaun von Berg (bowler), Aaron Phangiso (bowler), Morne van Wyk (wicket-keeper), Beuran Hendricks (bowler), Theunis de Bruyn (batsman), Janneman Malan (batsman), Ryan ten Doeschate (all-rounder), Clyde Fortuin (wicket-keeper), Rayad Emrit (all-rounder), Werner Coetsee (all-rounder), Yaseen Vallie (batsman), Akhona Mnyaka (bowler), Keegan Petersen (batsman).

Bloem City Blazers support staff: Robin Singh (Director of Cricket), Phil Simmons (Head Coach), Robin Peterson (Assistant Coach), Allan Donald (Bowling Coach, mentor and Ambassador), Harishankar N (High Performance Analyst).
 
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