Cricket South Africa has confirmed that the franchise system will be replaced by provincial competition next year.

The Lions, Cape Cobras, Knights, Dolphins, Warriors and Titans will effectively be replaced by Gauteng, Western Province, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Border, Northerns and others.

They will compete in first-class, List A and T20 cricket.

‘Obviously with us collapsing the franchise system into the senior provincial cricket system, you will have lesser competition costs,’ said CSA cricket manager Corrie Van Zyl.

‘Over the next year, we will already be seeing a saving because of the termination of the T20 challenge. From 1 May 2020, we will be moving to a 12-team affiliate first-class structure which enables us to save.

‘We will structure the new competition in such a way that we can still have strength versus strength, by eventually getting to an A and B section of the 12 teams at first-class level.’

Limpopo and Mpumalanga will likely join the 12 other provincial teams in 2022.

While the T20 Challenge will be terminated, the Mzansi Super League will continue. The MSL was introduced late last year – and the Jozi Stars claimed the inaugural title after beating the Cape Town Blitz in the final.

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