Cricket is set to restart in South Africa with a new format. Cricket South Africa has sanctioned a three-team format under the Covid-19 circumstance; the Solidarity Cup tournament is scheduled to take place at SuperSport Park on June 27.
Solidarity Cup will be the showcase event for the brand new cricket format consisting of 24 of the top cricketers from South Africa in three teams, playing two halves in one game. The teams that participate in the tournament are the Kingfishers captained by Kagiso Rabada, Eagles captained by AB de Villiers and Kites captained by Quinton de Kock.
The tournament is South Africa’s first live sport event since the lockdown which started in March 2020.
Graeme Smith, CSA Cricket director believes this new format will bring back cricket excitement. He told the media, “It’s been quite some time since the South African public and cricket fans around the world have been able to enjoy the game that we all love. I know that the players are itching to get back into action too, which is why we as CSA are so excited about the Solidarity Cup. This new format is really thrilling and a match that is working towards a greater good. We are proud to partner with 3TeamCricket on this event.”
South African cricketer AB de Villiers supports the revolutionary new format, “In the world, there are very few team sports where you can play with more than one opponent in a single match, this is going to be a game changer. We have some very talented players involved who are really excited to return to play with a bang.”
And, Kagiso Rabada will return to the field after suffering a groin injury in February 2020. The South African fast bowler expressed his excitement during the interview, “It’s been a long wait to get back into action and I’m looking forward to playing again alongside some of the country’s biggest names. We have a great balance of talent and experience in our squad and I’m confident that we can walk away with the inaugural Solidarity Cup.”
