Graeme Smith feels the Global League is a step in the right direction

The South Africa’s T20 Global League starts in the first week of November but it is already in the news, following the issue of the TV rights. But the owner of Benoni Zalmi, Javed Afridi has said that these are just teething problems and he is very much happy to be a part of the new league. The CEO of electronic company Haier, said that despite CSA still not having inked a deal to broadcast the tournament, he was optimistic his brand would gain the much-needed publicity.

Smith as the head coach

Javed Afridi’s franchise yesterday unveiled former South African skipper Graeme Smith as their head coach. Smith will be assisted by Highveld Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana.

Some of the main points regarding the deal involve costs and finalizing advertising with such short notice, and it is understood CSA may be overvaluing its product. Smith, meanwhile, said the tournament was a step in the right direction for CSA. “We’ve seen what the IPL has done for Indian cricket and the Big Bash has been a huge success for Australia – just in terms of attracting a young audience. It’s important that this tournament embodies the values of CSA, if it does that, it will be a huge success.”

CSA waits for BCCI’s response

Meanwhile, CSA are still waiting for BCCI’s response to the series against India, which was supposed to take place this year at the end of December, but it is likely to shift to next year now. The last time India toured South Africa, the series was cut short to 2-Test matches and 3 ODIs. However, this time the two boards have agreed on the structure two years ago ahead of the Proteas’s Tour to India, which featured four Tests, five ODIs and three T20s. India’s only Test series this year is likely to be Sri Lanka’s return trip to India.