Two key Proteas missing from T20 Global League draft

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has released a list of 90 internationally-based players who have been shortlisted for the upcoming T20 Global League player draft will take place in Cape Town, later this weekend. The rules dictate that each of the eight franchises can have a maximum five international players in their 18-man squads, while eight marquee international players have already been determined.

South African players who are currently on Kolpak deals are considered international players, and 10 of them were included on the shortlist of players on Wednesday. The Proteas who appear to make the shortlist are- Cameron Delport, Richard Levi, Colin Ingram, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas, Colin Ackermann, Simon Harmer, David Wiese, Marchant de Lange and Hardus Viljoen.

Apart from the addition of 90 international players, over 200 domestic players are expected to go under the hammer in the draft. On Saturday night, the international marquee players will be allocated to their respective franchises while on Sunday, 16 rounds of bidding will see the teams complete their squads. The tournament is expected to begin in November, while the final is set to take place on December 16.

Abbott, Rossouw not listed for the draft

However, the fact that catches our eyes is the omissions of two noticeable cricketers. The Hampshire duo of Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw were not on the list and they will not be returning to South Africa this festive season.

According to reports, neither player has put forward any desire or interest to be a part of the tournament. Earlier in the year, the duo also took a massive decision by confirming that they would be leaving the country to take up Kolpak deals.

Rossouw, as of now will have to sit on the sidelines with a broken finger that has brought the curtain down on his county season prematurely. However, there is a two-month gap after the completion of English season and the start of the Global League. Thus, there remains a ray of hope for him to make a comeback in time.