Cricket South Africa recently confirmed that the Africa Twenty20 Cup will take place in September 2015 with SWD Cricket that will be part of this competition. CSA’s Commercial Department is currently in process of negotiation with various parties to take on the Naming Rights for this competition.
According to SWD Cricket CEO, Albertus Kennedy, it was agreed on the proviso that a “World Cup” T20 style competition (i.e. preliminary pool stage and a knock-out stage) be introduced, which competition would present Affiliates (the 12 Affiliate Members + KZN Inland) with an opportunity to generate additional revenue from such content. Further to commercial opportunities, the Cup (competition) is being staged to present Affiliates with an opportunity to showcase their Brand Identity and to create content for qualifying stadia.
Invitations will be extended to Zimbabwe and the top two ranked ICC Africa Associate teams to participate in this competition/cup. CSA will allocate these teams to 3 different pools. The composition of each Pool will be determined through a Live TV Draw that takes place on SuperSport.
Subject to medical clearance and availability, the national contracted players will be eligible to play for the Affiliate of their origin and all Franchise players must take themselves available to participate in the competition. The eligibility of the Franchise players to play in particular Affiliate teams would be based on the existing rules – e.g. where the player plays in the provincial competition, and confirmed by the Franchise.
According to Kennedy teams will be permitted to sell branding on the front of the shirt (sponsor name) as well as an associate sponsor as provided for in the Advertising on Cricket Clothing and Equipment conditions which regulate the Franchises.
CSA have negotiated with SuperSport to broadcast 10 days of the Africa T20 Cup live and in full. It is planned that each Saturday and Sunday across the five weekends and the Finals’ will be broadcasted live and in full. Highlights of the other fixtures will be broadcast regularly on SuperSport Blitz.
Kennedy confirmed SWD’s cricket excitement about this concept. “For the first time our flag ship team will play in front of a television audience and we are also looking forward to 2016 when the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn will be one of the four host venues.
