Proposed franchise-based T20 league in South Africa sparks interest in India

Johannesburg, March 8 (IANS) Cricket South Africa (CSA) received 35 percent expressions of interest from India, second only after the hosts, to be part of the franchise-based South African T20 Global Destination League.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, it was claimed that more than 150 expressions of interest were received by the time Friday's deadline expired, according to a release from CSA.

While there was significant interest shown from the UK, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, the majority of the interest emanated from South Africa with 39 percent and India with 35 percent of expressions of interest received.

"We are very encouraged by the extent of the interest shown by potential team owners from South Africa and the rest of the world," said CSA chief Haroon Lorgat.

"We will now progress to the next stage where we will receive proposals to a tender from potential owners and then narrow down our search to a shortlist and then finally decide the eight team owners."

All persons who have submitted expressions of interest will be contacted to acquire tender documents to proceed with the next stage of submitting their proposals.

Interested persons will have until April 15 to submit their bids to own one of the eight city based teams.

Lorgat also confirmed that preparations in all other aspects of the league are fully underway.

"We are presently working on designing the official name and logo for the tournament and alongside this we will secure the best available international players to join our own Proteas and domestic stars, Lorgat added.

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