Mzansi Super League In Limbo

So much has transpired at CSA (Cricket South Africa) that to fully understand the big picture you would shake your head in disappointment. As it stands an internal reshuffle was reported to have taken place on Tuesday. With the announcement of two new appointments in an acting capacity. A week ago, Kugandrie Govender replaced Jacque Faul as the organisation’s acting CEO. But there is more?! Chris Nezani resigned as the president meaning that Beresford Williams was appointed in an acting capacity in that role.

According to Sports24 Head of Communications Thamasanqa Mthembu, would be slotted in the role of acting Chief Commercial Officer a role previously held by Kungandrie Govender before accepting being acting CEO. This further means Mthembu’s position as head of communications will now be filled by Lucy Davey, who joined the organisation from the Titans franchise last year, also in an acting capacity.

The future of the organisation’s leadership remains unclear, which leaves huge questions marks for the way forward for the resumption of domestic cricket. In the end, the organisations must focus on what they do best. That is providing cricket of its top-class quality. The ball must bowl, too much is happening off-the-field that we are losing focus that South Africa loves its cricket.

CSA was expected to decide by mid-August whether the third edition of the Mzansi Super League (MSL) is played in the usual November-December period, or pushing it to 2021 to accommodate some international cricket at home in the upcoming season. There are three main factors being looked at: 1.) whether international travel will be permitted, 2.) if there is sufficient time to secure a sponsor and broadcast deal, 3.) and if spectators will be allowed into the stadiums.

“There is still a lot of uncertainty with the coronavirus pandemic and we need to be careful before we announce that something will happen and then we may have to postpone it,” said former CSA CEO Jacque Faul according to ESPNcricinfo. He further added “To host the MSL, we probably need international travel to be permitted. And we can’t start looking for a sponsor or trying to secure a broadcaster until we know when will be hosting it.” 

The MSL might not attract a lot of international stars like the IPL (well the IPL is just miles ahead, let’s not be ambitious about it.) however there are still several overseas players. In previous years, that has included the likes of Chris Gayle, Jason Roy & Wahab Riaz, who (International players) may not be able to return unless borders open. Currently, South Africa’s borders remain closed across international lines – with the country in its Corvid-19 infection peak. While case numbers are expected to start dropping by October-November, borders may only open for travel early next year, according to the information provided last month by the deputy minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela.

Playing the MSL without overseas players could significantly reduce its value as a product, which would potentially affect any corporate partners on joining in and sponsoring the whole competition. You probably thinking about broadcasting rights too, yes that would also be impacted. Huge uncertainty hangs over MSL, let alone the changes and crisis that the organisation is trying to remedy. With no title sponsor and broadcasting rights, with just the SABC broadcasting it, without charge in it’s the first season and for a nominal fee in its second season, ending up costing CSA millions of Rands. 

The board had hoped to sell the MSL rights to the pay-television broadcaster SuperSport, which holds the rights for all other cricket, but it seems an agreement has not been reached on terms. SuperSport was initially due to be equity partners in the tournament but opted out of that deal. The amount SuperSport then offered CSA to broadcast the tournament was rejected with CSA opting to air the competition on SABC instead, despite financial losses. What CSA gained, though, was a wider reach, as the SABC is accessed by millions of South Africans.

Although the MSL lost money and was poorly attended in several venues, the carnival-like atmosphere at Boland Park in Paarl, the home of the defending champions Paarl Rocks, was hailed as a success. Spectator numbers also picked up in Port Elizabeth and Centurion as the tournament went on.

CSA may prefer to use the November-December period for hosting international cricket if it is able to, with the guarantee of revenue through television rights, being the only source of a cash injection, it’s pretty clear that sales from gate incomings amidst sports only being permitted behind closed doors. 

The third edition is set to feature eight teams, marking a significant shift from the first two seasons with the two new franchises based in Bloemfontein and East London.

South Africa was due to host India for three T20’s in August, and Sri Lanka and Australia over the summer. The India matches are postponed, with players from both countries involved in the IPL, while discussions on the other series are ongoing. Similarly, South Africa is not in a position to announce its domestic schedule yet but are hoping to begin franchise cricket before the end of the year.

Image : SA Cricket Mag