Dale Steyn set for return in Global T20 League, included in drafts

Dale Steyn has been away from professional cricket since November 2016. The fast bowler went under the knife for a shoulder surgery and has been out of action for almost 10 months now. He looks set to mark his return to cricket as he was included in the list of draft for the forthcoming Global T20 league organized by the CSA.

A pool of over 160 players for the draft

Apart from the fast bowler, 34 cricketers who have represented South Africa are a part of the list to go under the hammer on Saturday and Sunday in Cape Town. The player’s list includes stars like Morne Morel, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Chris Morris, Albie Morkel, Farhaan Behardien, Henry Davids, Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. Apart from the capped players, there are more than 100 attractive players who will be hoping to get picked.

8 marquee players have already been assigned to the respective franchises in April earlier this year. South African skipper Faf du Plessis will turn up for Stellenbosch, AB de Villiers for Pretoria, stumper Quinton de Kock for Benoni, Hashim Amla for Durban, fast bowling sensation Kagiso Rabada for Johannesburg, middle order batsman JP Duminy for Cape Town, T20 specialist David Miller for Bloemfontein and leg spinner Imran Tahir for Port Elizabeth.

In the uncapped players’ category, South Africa ‘A’ captains Aiden Markram and Khaya Zondo will be hot candidates. Cricketers such as Okuhle Cele, Janneman Malan and Matthew Christensen, who have done exceeding well at the youth level will also attract interest from the franchises.

“The list of South African players shows what a vast pool of talent this country has,” commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, who wants to make this league a big event in South Africa.

“I believe there are not many countries that can boast such a high-quality group of cricketers as we are blessed with.

“There are more than 30 players that have represented the Proteas, with many others that have played cricket for South Africa through the age group levels, and these on their own will be tempting options at the draft.

“Add to that the up-and-coming players, as well as the foreign players that are available and it all, makes for a very exciting cricket weekend. I am sure the coaches and owners will have plenty to do over the next few days,” concluded Lorgat.

Squad strength increased by CSA

The Kolpak players will be put in the international cricketers’ category and each squad can have up to 5 players under this category. The squad strength has been increased to 18 from the previous limit of 17. The tournament is expected to be a big success with major cricketers of the country participating in it apart from the international ones.