We considered having semi-finals but decided against it: Haroon Lorgat

Lorgat justified the reason to rule out semi-finals from the T20 Global League.

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Haroon Lorgat
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South Africa Cricket CEO Haroon Lorgat. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

South Africa’s domestic T20 competition, T20 Global League, recently announced the schedule of the tournament and surprised one and all with no place for semi finals in the competition. The event will kick off on November 3 in Cape Town as Cape Town Knight Rider and Pretoria Mavericks in the inaugural match of the tournament. Haroon Lorgat justified the reason to snub semi finals.

The Cape Town Knight Riders boast the likes of JP Duminy and Chris Gayle while AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel feature in Pretoria Mavericks squads. The tournament is scheduled to host 57 matches with the finals at Johannesburg on December 16.

It was decided earlier that Cape Town would host the finals of the tournament. But the fact that the city has some logistical issues during that time of the year. Cricket South Africa’s chief executive Haroon Lorgat also clarified that the opening match of each season following the inaugural season will be hosted by the defending champions.

“To be honest, we could have put any of the teams up. The final will be on the 16th of December every year. We did consider taking the final to Cape Town, and we had as many votes for Cape Town as we did for Johannesburg. But, we know that Cape Town has some logistical issues around that time. There is the Cape Town Sevens and there is huge tourism around that time,” commented Haroon Lorgat according to independent media.

“So, we will have the final in Johannesburg. The Wanderers has a bigger capacity, and there are many more international flights coming into the city. We anticipate that there will be huge international interest in the final. We feel that it is a much of a muchness. We considered having semi-finals, but you can then have a scenario where the third-placed team is qualifying for the final, and teams that have been consistent the whole season will miss out,” concluded Lorgat.

Opening Weekend Fixtures

Friday, November 3

Newlands: Cape Town Knight Riders v Pretoria Mavericks (6.30pm)

Saturday, November 4

Paarl: Stellenbosch Monarchs v Jo’burg Giants (2.30pm)

Durban: Durban Qalandars v Nelson Mandela Bay Stars (6.30pm)

Sunday, November 5

Centurion: Pretoria Mavericks v Benoni Zalmi (2.30pm)

Bloemfontein: Bloem City Blazers v Cape Town Knight Riders (6.30pm)

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