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Over 30 big international players have already been confirmed to compete in South Africa's inaugural T20 league. It was reported earlier this month that the six clubs of South Africa's inaugural T20 League will be able to sign players from a world-class pool comprised of some of the top local and international cricketers.

Over 30 marquee international players have been signed, with the numbers set to increase as players enter the auction taking place in the next few weeks. This is in addition to all contracted Proteas and domestic players who have committed to the League.

However, Graeme Smith has revealed that because the franchise owners of the new tournament also own IPL teams, contracted Indian stars are not expected to be released.

“We have a great relationship with the BCCI and they have supported us as we build our league. At the moment contracted Indian players are not released to participate in foreign leagues outside the IPL,” Smith said, as quoted by TimesLive.

“We want to make it a competitive league, and to have a competitive league you need to have the players. We have worked hard to sign some global T20 superstars and coupled with our world-class SA players, I have no doubt we will be able to showcase competitive and entertaining cricket.

“We have a rich player base that we are committed to investing in and nurturing.”

The six franchises will have a squad of 17 players, and will be able to pre-sign up to five players made up of three international players, one Proteas player and one uncapped South African player prior to the auction.