CSK, MI announce franchise acquisition in CSA T20 League

IPL franchises Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have announced the acquiring of teams in the upcoming T20 league birthed by Cricket South Africa (CSA), which is going to commence in January next year. Notably, all six teams of the newly formed T20 league have been snapped up by IPL owners.

IPL’s most successful outfit Mumbai Indians announced their delight in expanding their wings as they have acquired the team based in Cape Town. Director of Reliance Industries, Mrs. Nita Ambani, said that the franchise remains committed to exploring sporting ecosystems all around the globe.

“I’m delighted to welcome our new T20 team to the Reliance family! We are excited to take the Mumbai Indians’ brand of fearless and entertaining cricket to South Africa, a nation that loves cricket as much as we do in India! South Africa has a strong sporting ecosystem, and we look forward to exploring the power and potential of this collaboration. As we grow MI’s global cricketing footprint, we remain committed to spreading joy and cheer through sport!,” Nita Ambani said.

The four-time IPL winners CSK also announced that their bid for the Johannesburg-based franchise was successful as Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited have now added another team under their wings. 

“We have been evaluating new opportunities across the globe over the past few years. We felt this T20 league in South Africa will be highly competitive, and it is a great opportunity for us to give back to the sport. It would also help us to spot new talent. We are confident that our superfans from all over the world will support us in this new journey and spread Yellove,” CSK CEO KS Viswanathan said in an official statement.

The iconic Wanderers Stadium will be the home ground for CSK’s franchise, a venue where India lifted their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2007, which was MS Dhoni’s first-ever silverware before lifting four IPL titles with the Men in Yellow. He also led CSK to the Champions League Twenty20 glory in 2010 at the same venue.