06 Jan ‘Cricket Fan At Heart’ De Villiers Looking Forward To Commentary Debut
Former cricket stars headline expert roster of Betway SA20 commentators
Wednesday, 4 January: Former Proteas Men’s captain, AB de Villiers, is looking forward to his commentary debut during the Betway SA20 starting on 10 January. De Villiers headlines a stellar team of SuperSport commentators and presenters who will call the exciting action of South Africa’s anticipated new league.
De Villiers, known as “MR 360”, will bring all the flair and innovation he thrilled fans all around the world with during his playing days to the commentary booth.
“I am a cricket fan at heart and I can’t wait to be behind the mic to watch the brilliant performances from the world’s best cricketers during the Betway SA20. I am looking forward to joining some of my past team mates and cricketing legends for this exciting opportunity,” De Villiers said.
The commentary team has reunited the legendary Proteas slip cordon with De Villiers joined by his former national team teammates Mark Boucher, Ashwell Prince, Shaun Pollock, Herschelle Gibbs, Chris Morris and Vernon Philander.
The familiar silky smooth voice of the experienced Mark Nicholas will hold it all together with former England internationals Kevin Pietersen and Darren Gough also joining the team.
There is further international flavour included in the line-up with the hugely-popular Zainab Abbas from Pakistan teaming up South Africa’s first lady of cricket Kass Naidoo, Urooj Mumtaz, Pommie Mbangwa, Mike Haysman, and former West Indies T20 World Cup-winning captain Daren Sammy.
The broadcast will aim to bring in fresh and engaging perspectives on the SA20 coverage, bringing to life the ‘sportainment’ factor to fans around the world.
SuperSport – Africa’s biggest broadcaster – will be introducing new-look technology and innovations to create the ultimate viewing experience of the SA20 coverage.
All 33 matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport in Sub-Saharan Africa, Viacom18 in India and Sky Sports in the UK.
Zainab Abbas said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the SuperSport team for the SA20 league. It’s something new for the fans and will provide lots of entertainment and also some quality cricket. SuperSport has always provided great cricket coverage and I am really looking forward to contributing towards this event with a special team.”
SA-born Pietersen, meanwhile, is looking forward to returning home for the inaugural competition.
“I’m excited to be part of the SuperSport team for the SA20 league. Especially as Someone who was born in KZN and also someone who has played cricket in Durban in my early part of my career. I’m very proud to be part of the inaugural SA20 league and love the country. I am really looking forward to contributing towards this event with a special team.”
Full Betway SA20 commentators/presenters list:
Mark Nicholas, Kevin Pietersen, Darren Gough (all England), Zainab Abbas, Urooj Mumtaz (both Pakistan), Chris Morris, AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince, Herschelle Gibbs, Vernon Philander, Kass Naidoo, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher (all South Africa), Pommie Mbangwa (Zimbabwe), Daren Sammy (West Indies), Mike Haysman (Australia)
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About SA20
SA20 is South Africa’s explosive new T20 cricket league. Dropping 10 January 2023, the League is set to thrill local and international cricket fans and attract new audiences of all ages.
4 weeks, 33 matches, 6 global franchises, 102 world class players (local and global) – SA20 is for cricket diehards, party people, families. For everyone!
SA20 has the backing of some of the most recognised T20 franchises in the world, with several IPL strongholds branching out to establish an even greater international footprint. The franchises are owned by six dynamic entities which have made a minimum 10-year investment which will sustain South African cricket, the players and future cricketers coming through the development pipeline.
The League features six privately-owned teams, who will play each other twice in a round-robin stage (home and away) before the semis and final. In all, 33 matches will be played in some of the greatest locations South Africa has to offer: Durban’s Super Giants (Kingsmead), Joburg Super Kings (Wanderers), MI Cape Town (Newlands), Paarl Royals (Boland Park), Pretoria Capitals (SuperSport Park) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (St George’s Park).
The six teams finalised their 17-member squads during the R125 million player auction. Each team is allowed to field up to four international players in a match, giving plenty of opportunities for homegrown Proteas stars and young local talent to shine while playing alongside the best in the world.
SA20 is destined to become the best League in the world outside of India, and to be South Africa’s No 1 Sport and Entertainment brand. Fans can expect thrilling cricket underpinned by an immersive, inclusive, and unmissable social experience.
Join the party: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za
For more information, please follow #SA20 on all social media platforms.
Twitter: @SA20_League
Facebook: @SA20League
Instagram: @sa20_league
TikTok: @sa20_league
Website: www.sa20.co.za