CSA invites bids for T20 League, attracts IPL owners as well

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is attempting to relaunch its delayed T20 League, a tournament similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

CSA have invited bids from concerned parties and have appointed a leading audit firm to keep the process in check.

According to Cricbuzz, the initial deadline was July 11, which has been extended until July 13, following requests from certain interested parties.

Twenty-nine participants have expressed interest, including IPL franchises, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and a consortium led by former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen.

The teams are expected to be announced by the end of the year.

A CSA official said, "The teams will be announced at the end of the month."

Making their big splash in the IPL this year with the Gujarat Titans, the US-based organisation CVC Capitals has also shown interest.

Pakistan Super League (PSL)'s Lahore Qalandar-owner Sameen Rana is also in the running to buy a team. He had purchased a team in the abolished Global T20 League in 2017.

Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shahrukh Khan also purchased the Cape Town-based side in the league, which couldn't take place due to a lack of broadcasters.

While there will be no base price, teams will be allotted to parties based on the financial evaluation of their bid.

If reports are to be believed, the CSA-planned league will also have six teams, with two teams already being reserved for investors from South Africa.

CSA plans to hold the league from January-February, which might clash with the recently announced International League T20 (IL T20) run by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

The South African board aims to create the second-best T20 league in the World after the IPL.

"There is a clear gap between the best (IPL) and the 2nd best league. CSA should therefore focus on the opportunity to create the 2nd best T20 league in the World," said a CSA league document.