CSA T20 league signs up 30 marquee international players

The new T20 league of Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced its signing of over 30 marquee international players for its opening season in January 2023. However, the board did not name the players in the marquee list in their statement. The league has confirmed that the numbers will increase as players enter the auction, which will take place soon.

Last month, international players such as Jason Holder, Jos Buttler, and Liam Livingstone signed up for the competition. The league is likely to offer player salaries of up to USD 300,000 and it competes with the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20), which will also commence in January.

The ILT20 revealed names of some of its high-profile players such as Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chris Jordan, Shimron Hetmyer, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman on August 8 . Former South Africa captain and league commissioner Graeme Smith said that is an important milestone for the league.

Excited for the young and upcoming talent in our cricket pipeline: Smith

“Having world-class South African players playing with some of best cricketers around the world makes for some outstanding cricket,” Smith was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “I’m mostly excited for the young and upcoming talent in our cricket pipeline. They will get to rub shoulders with some experienced and talented players which will no doubt inspire and help them to raise their own game.”

Smith further stated that the league’s priority is to help strengthen South Africa’s domestic cricket structure while also putting on an “exciting and entertaining cricketing showpiece.” He explained that the player regulations have been thoughtfully drafted in consultation with the franchises. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing how the teams match up and how the franchises will build their squads,” said the former South Africa batter. The six franchises in the league are all owned by organisations that own franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL).