Franchise owners are to lend their expertise to ensure the smooth launching of the Global League T20 series next year.

Cricket South Africa’s board held a meeting at which it was decided to launch a full investigation into the postponement of this year’s league, just a month before its schedule launch date on 3 November.

The board said in a statement that it was encouraged by the continued commitment expressed by the franchise owners to work with CSA in delivering the league.

‘The franchise owners have also expressed their intentions to avail their expertise and experience to CSA, to enable CSA to deliver a successful league campaign,’ it said. Among the owners are several connected with the IPL, including the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Kings XI Punjab.

It continues: ‘The board recognises that the decision [to postpone] has led to general disappointment in the country and to the cricket supporters in particular. It must be emphasised that the board took this decision in order to avert any potential financial ruin and reputational damage. The decision has been taken in the best interests of the sport.’

An investigation has already started ‘into the internal processes on all aspects of the T20GL, as undertaken by various parties during the period of the establishment of the league. It will cover the planning and execution of the T20 Global League with specific focus on, inter alia, aspects of governance, agreements concluded, payments, staff recruitment, authorisation and delegation of authority, league development strategy, decision-making etc.’

This year’s edition of the league was cancelled shortly after CSA parted way with its CEO, Haroon Lorgat, who had been instrumental in driving the planning and organisation of the league. It is understood the board had been deeply disturbed by a lack of transparency.

The statement ended by saying CSA would make no further media comments on the matter.

In the meantime, the problem exists as to what to do with the hole that is left in the calendar. The suggestion is that the domestic T20 series, scheduled for March, will move forward. The bonus would be that the Proteas players would be available to play.