The new Pro20 Cup brings South Africa\u2019s domestic divisions together in a 16-team competition featuring 71 matches.<\/p>\n
South African domestic T20 cricket has undergone a major shake-up with the introduction of the Pro20 Cup.<\/p>\n
The tournament combines the previous T20 Challenge and T20 Knockout competitions, bringing Division 1 and Division 2 sides into one competition.<\/p>\n
Eight Division 1 teams, seven Division 2 sides and CSA Emerging make up the 16-team field.<\/p>\n
They will be divided into two pools of eight, with four Division 1 sides and four Division 2 or CSA Emerging teams in each group.<\/p>\n
READ: Five takeaways from the Proteas\u2019 win<\/a><\/p>\n Each side plays the other seven teams in its pool once before the top four from each group qualify for the Super 8s.<\/p>\n Those teams will then play opposition from the other pool, with the top four progressing to the semi-finals on 13 November.<\/p>\n The inaugural Pro20 Cup champion will be crowned the following day.<\/p>\n The biggest change is the amount of cricket.<\/p>\n There are 71 matches on the schedule, compared to 32 Division 1 fixtures last season. CSA says 47 will be shown on SuperSport and 24 streamed on its YouTube channel.<\/p>\n It also removes one of the major barriers between South Africa\u2019s two domestic divisions.<\/p>\n Instead of Division 2 players only occasionally being able to measure themselves against those in the top tier, the new format puts the teams in direct competition.<\/p>\n Knights captain Dane Piedt believes that creates an important opportunity for younger players.<\/p>\n \u201cFor us, it\u2019s a breeding ground for young players coming up against guys who are available to play for the bigger teams,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The competition will not count towards the two-year promotion and relegation standings, meaning teams can compete without their Pro20 results having an impact on movement between the divisions.<\/p>\n