DURBAN - Hashim Amla, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Khaya Zondo and world-beating Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan are some of the big cricketing names who will take to the field for the Durban Heat squad in the inaugural Mzansi Super League T20.
Summer temperatures kicked in this week and the heat was definitely on in Durban yesterday at the official launch for the new T20 tournament at Moyo’s on uShaka Pier which was packed with well-known faces from on and off the cricket pitch.
Anticipation among fans is ramping up for The Mzansi Super League which starts on Friday, November 16.
At the launch, KZN Cricket chief executive Heinrich Strydom said: “It’s a privilege for us to be hosting this T20. A few months ago we had to submit a bid document to showcase what Durban is about and we were chosen as one of the venues. There is no better place than Durban to showcase our diversity. We have a unique flavour in Durban.”
He added that with Dolphins coach Grant Morgan and assistant coach, Imraan Khan, at the helm, Durban Heat had a strong squad of match winners and international stars.
Proteas star Amla has already been announced as Durban Heat’s marquee SA player who is expected to bring a wealth of experience, while their international marquee player is Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan.
The squad of 16 players have 13 players with international experience, with eight players from the Dolphins franchise.
This includes Miller, who shares the record for the fastest T20 century; Proteas spinner Maharaj; and Dolphins captain Zondo.
Returning to Durban will be Kyle Abbott, while experienced campaigner Albie Morkel will also call Durban his home for a month along with Proteas seamer Vernon Philander and batsman Temba Bavuma.
The rookies to watch out for include Dolphins fast bowler Okuhle Cele and Cape Cobras seamer, Tladi Bokako.
Morgan said: “We are happy with the team we have got and consider ourselves to be one of the best in this format (T20). Amla will bring a calmness to the batting unit and we have players who can play around him.”
He urged Durban fans and early holidaymakers to get to Kingsmead for the first Durban Heat match, against Cape Town Blitz, on Sunday, November 18, starting at 11am.
“It’s a great family outing, the kids can run around and you will have a full sunkissed day, making some of the best memories of your life,” said Morgan.
Speaking on his return to his home turf, Kyle Abbott said he was looking forward to the tournament.
Other SA sports stars at the launch giving their support to Durban Heat included paddlers Hank McGregor and Bridgitte Hartley, triathlete Mhlengi Gwala and netball’s Jessica Khomo.
Six teams are taking part in the competition, with other big name players such as AB de Villiers, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir and Chris Gayle, in 32 scheduled games.