Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis says the new SA20 league will boost South African cricket and the Proteas.

SA provincial squads (2022-23 season)

Du Plessis was speaking after the franchise revealed its name, logo, captain and coach on Thursday.

“I have an extremely lucky and long relationship with Chennai,” said Du Plessis, who made his debut for the Chennai Super Kings in 2012 and starred in their most recent IPL title in 2021. “When the opportunity presented itself again, I was extremely happy with that.”

The 38-year-old former Proteas captain expects the SA20 league to be a game-changer.

“I think it’s going to be incredibly crucial for the sustainability of South African cricket. I’ve almost been seeing first-hand the difference that league cricket can have an impact on a country’s cricket, having been involved with the IPL for the past 10-11 years.

“You see the difference that it makes to the young generation and the young players, especially in that Indian cricket team and environment. That knowledge and wisdom and experience that you can share across with your young talent in your own country, I think that’s extremely important for the growth of the national team.

“The way that they’ve set up the league now looks like it’s going to be one of the big leagues across the globe.”

As expected, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming will coach the Joburg franchise.

“My last memory of being at the Wanderers was with Chennai, winning the Champions League,” the New Zealander said. “I remember it very fondly, it’s a wonderful ground.

“First thing I remember was the support that we got through South Africa, which was a surprise for all of us. It just shows the passion of the South African cricket fans to follow good cricket and we like to produce that.

“We’re really hoping we can get good support from Johannesburg and around the country. That’s a big part of what Chennai is about.”