South Africa’s own IPL reveals its franchise owners

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday unveiled the eight franchise owners for the governing body’s new T20 Global League.

The tournament, which CSA hopes will become as commercially viable as other competitions such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia’s Big Bash, will commence it’s inaugural edition in November.

The franchises will be based in eight cities.

DURBAN

Owner: Fawad Rana, Managing Director of Qatar Lubricants. (Rana also owns the Pakistan franchise Lahore Qalanders)

Marquee Proteas player: Hashim Amla

Ground: Kingsmead

Why the owner chose Durban: “I come from Lahore, it’s a very passionate city and it’s very welcoming. I live in Doha, a port city that’s also very welcoming. I believe Durban has the best of both those cities.”

BENONI

Owner: Javed Afridi, Chief Executive of Haier Pakistan (a multinational electronics company)

Marquee Proteas player: Quinton de Kock

Ground: Willowmoore Park

Why the owner chose Benoni: “Benoni is a city of youth. When we bought Peshawar Zalmi in Pakistan, it was about youth.”

PRETORIA

Owner: Osman Osman, Managing Director at BluBlood (a local promotions and talent buying company)

Marquee Proteas player: AB de Villiers

Ground: SuperSport Park, Centurion

Why the owner chose Pretoria: “That’s where we actually live. Pretoria has always been home and we’re really passionate about cricket. It made sense given that we’re a local company there.”

STELLENBOSCH

Owner: Brimstone Investment Corporation (a Cape Town based company)

Marquee Proteas player: Faf du Plessis

Ground: Boland Park, Paarl

Why the owner chose Stellenbosch: “Being part of the league is a significant milestone for us. We believe with our investment, we can help with the growth of the game in South Africa.”

CAPE TOWN

Owner: Shah Rukh Khan, famous Indian actor (he also owns the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL)

Marquee Proteas player: JP Duminy

Ground: Newlands.

Why the owner chose Cape Town: “It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people. We’re looking forward to making Cape Town our home away from home.”

BLOEMFONTEIN

Owner: Sushil Kumar, Owner of City Sports (Hong Kong)

Marquee Proteas player: David Miller

Ground: Mangaung Oval

Why the owner chose Bloemfontein: “It’s a cultural experience. We’re keen to learn much about the city.”

JOHANNESBURG

Owner: GMR Sports, a subsidiary of GMR Group, a infrastructure company in India

Marquee Proteas player: Kagiso Rabada

Ground: Wanderers

Why the owner chose Johannesburg: “It’s a big city. It made sense.”

PORT ELIZABETH

Owner: Mustaq Brey, Chairman of Channel 2 Group

Marquee Proteas player: Imran Tahir

Ground: St George’s Park

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