CAPE TOWN – After months of uncertainty, it seems as if it’s full-steam ahead for the Mzansi Super League.
South African and world cricket fans waited eagerly to see if Cricket SA could emerge from the stillborn T20 Global League, particularly with regards to securing a broadcaster – as that was the ultimate downfall of the previous effort.
The SABC stepped in, venues were decided upon, and a uniquely South African name arrived at.
The team names and player draft were two further significant goals to achieve, and that was concluded by Wednesday.
On Thursday, there was more good news for CSA as they announced a new international commercial and broadcast partner, Global Sports Commerce (GSC), from 2018 to 2022.
GSC’s head office is in Singapore, but they’ve got offices all over the world, including Johannesburg, where they have South African affiliates Megaview and Megapro.
They have worked with the ICC, IPL, BCCI, New Zealand Cricket, Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia, among others, as well as in other sports such as rugby, football, athletics and Formula One.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome GSC on board as yet another global brand that has put its faith in our administration, our governance and our players for a considerable period of time,” CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe said in a statement.
“As their name indicates, GSC have a global sporting presence as a major player in the organisation of sporting events around the world, and already have considerable experience of South African sport through their investment in Megapro and Megaview.
“They will assist us both financially and with expertise.”
The chief executive of GSC Pte Ltd, MS Muralidharan, said that his company would be working hard on providing an “unmatched visual experience” inside the stadium and out across TV, digital and the actual MSL matches.
“The GSC family, including its South Africa-based affiliates Megapro and Megaview, will bring into the event its global technology expertise with cutting edge technologies in television/content production, event presentation and immersive fan experience,” Muralidharan said.
“The brands associated with the event, brought in by its premier commercial arm ITW Consulting, will gain a superior return on their investment.”
We are proud to welcome Global Sports Commerce as the official international commercial and broadcast partner for the #MSLT20 for the next five years. https://t.co/0fuwiMjk7n pic.twitter.com/5mfFSR6tt9
— Mzansi Super League (@MSL_T20) October 18, 2018
The tournament will take place from November 16 to December 16, with six Proteas marquee players chosen for each team – Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Imran Tahir, Hashim Amla, Kagiso Rabada and AB de Villiers.
West Indies opener Chris Gayle headlines the international marquee players.
@ashfakmohamed