Expanding the player base and funding a global T20 league are part of a new vision revealed by CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat.

In an article in the Sunday Times, Lorgat said sweeping changes to the playing structure was a priority, and with the Proteas having performed poorly recently, he has been able in initiate a review ‘from top down’.

‘The Ram Slam T20 was not competing on the global level with the other leagues,’ he said. ‘We need to reposition the league and deal with it as a separate project.’

He added that as the T20 league would be a global concept, the funding could come from global courses.

But he emphasised that planning was still in its initial stage. ‘It  is very premature for me to be talking about this, because we haven’t tested any of the propositions yet.’

But he also pointed to a potential pitfall which could clash with CSA policy: ‘If you are a franchise owner by spending, say R70 million, you would want the right to select the team as you wish.

‘Ultimately, the control of the league will rest with Cricket South Africa. So it is owned by the members and affiliates. Whoever comes in will work in a regulated framework. We’ve got a bigger picture to manage’

The domestic four-day competition is likely to be expanded to incorporate more affiliates, giving more exposure to players at first-class level in a league of 12 teams.