Cricket South Africa chief executive officer Thabang Moroe has hinted the Mzansi Super League will increase to eight teams next year.

The inaugural edition, which ended on Sunday, featured six franchises – the Jozi Stars, Durban Heat, Cape Town Blitz, Tshwane Spartans, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants and Paarl Rocks. Bloemfontein was not afforded a franchise after initially being in contention.

‘We might see a couple more teams in the next tournament,’ said Moroe. ‘There is no doubt that the quality of cricket has compared favourably with similar tournaments played around the world.

‘The MSL has come to stay and we can now look forward to planning and promoting an even better MSL in 2019. The MSL is the perfect gateway to our home international summer.’

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The Stars clinched the maiden title after beating the Blitz in Sunday’s final at Newlands.

‘Congratulations go not only to the winning team, their players, support staff, administrators and fans, but to all the teams for the highly competitive nature of the tournament, as well as the high calibre of cricket played throughout the matches,’ added Moroe.

‘The fact that we had to wait until the penultimate league match to find out which two teams would be playing the qualifier match, when there was still the possibility of a three-way tie for third place bears adequate testimony to the competitive cricket played.’

READ ALSO: MSL final: Four reasons the Stars won

The Blitz were depleted by the absence of fast bowler Anrich Nortje and batsman Janneman Malan, sidelined by injury and illness respectively.

‘We have also all been excited by the emergence of young players who have gone from being routine provincial or franchise players to genuine contenders for future national selection. Players in this category include Lutho Sipamla, Ryan Rickelton, Janneman, Bjorn Fortuin and Anrich, to name just a few,’ concluded Moroe.

Photo: Gallo