Mzansi Super League postponed until 2021

Cricket South Africa have moved their showcase T20 competition back 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic

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The third edition of the Mzansi Super League, South Africa's premier T20 competition, has been postponed until 2021.

Cricket SA have made the decision due to the travel restrictions currently in place in light of the coronavirus pandemic, which would likely prevent overseas players from participating.

Officials have estimated that international broadcast revenues and earnings would have been affected had the competition gone ahead without foreign stars.

Currently, only nationals or those with valid residence permits are allowed to enter South Africa. Visas can be obtained but are only granted in exceptional circumstances. There have been in excess of 670,000 detected cases of COVID-19 in the country since the world-wide outbreak began.

The MSL will take place across November and December next year, following the men's T20 World Cup in India. A single-round domestic franchise competition will be staged next year for South Africa players to stake a claim for selection for the tournament in the sub-continent.

"It is unfortunate but unavoidable that we have had to take this decision but maintaining the high quality of cricket that we have seen in the first two editions of the MSL is a non-negotiable for CSA," said acting Cricket South Africa chief-executive Kugandris Govender.

"The fact that we would have to play in empty grounds was another consideration, not only financially but also for player morale and team spirit, which links to fan support.

"The atmosphere and encouragement our fans have brought to first two editions have been significant and contributed incredibly to MSL’s success. We would not want to lose out on that or the opportunity to position the league as an important way to attract new fans to the game. We look forward to returning to business as usual next season."

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