Photo Credit: Mzansi Super League
Despite the tournament having secured an official backer (sponsor), CSA can
confirm that the Mzansi Super League (MSL) scheduled for February 2022 has been called off owing
to the COVID 19 environment which has made it difficult to maintain the brand proposition of being
the premium international T20 tournament, due to increased travel restrictions as imposed by many
nations on South Africa since the discovery of Omicron variant of the virus.
The MSL was conceptualised as the premium global T20 competition to rival the likes of Indian
Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), Big Bash League (BBL); to name a few. This was
done to create a commercial vehicle to attract global and local sponsors as well as to drive interest in
cricket amongst non-cricket fans in South Africa. However, restrictions such as stricter travel
possibilities, the Bio-Secure Environment frustrations, fear of the new variant, and the weak
Rand/US Dollar exchange rate are some of the main reasons why CSA has taken the decision to call
off the 2022 version of the MSL.
This is the second edition to be cancelled, as the 2020 edition was also cancelled due to Covid-19
logistical challenges.
Said Pholetsi Moseki, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Cricket South Africa, “The decision to cancel
the 2021 edition of the MSL is meant to allow CSA and its strategic partners to revamp and review
the tournament post-Covid-19 to regain its market and commercial position. For its purposes, the
MSL slot will again be replaced by a domestic CSA T20 Challenge, featuring the 8 (eight) Division 1
teams and this tournament will take place in February 2022.”
Photo Credit: LinkedIn profile photo of PI Moseki
Name of Author: Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) governs cricket in South Africa. Formed in 2002, it succeeded the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) and became the sole governing body in 2008. CSA oversees all levels of cricket, including national teams for men and women, and is a full ICC member and SASCOC affiliate.
