The T20 tournament which was first played in 2018 has seen just six teams being fielded during the first two editions.

Paarl in the Western Cape was award a franchise in 2018 at the expense of the Knights, and while at the time it was a controversial decision, it proved to be the correct one as the Paarl Rocks do attract the best crowds, and they were also crowned as the champions in 2019.

Cricket South Africa is set to expand the MSL T20 by two teams, bringing the total to eight.

The news is without a doubt great news for Bloemfontein, however, Kimberley in the Northern Cape will also be allocated on of the Knights four home games during the round-robins.

East London is set to be allocated the eight franchise for the MSL T20.

At this stage, it remains unclear if the tournament will indeed go ahead due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

CEO of the Knights, Johan van Heerden, confirmed the good news to OFM Sport.

“We have been allocated a team for the Bloem area. We have been allocated as a city-based franchise, East London and Bloemfontein got it.

“We will have to play one game in Kimberley out of the four home games.

“It is great news and we will finalise all the discussions on the new league tomorrow.”

In 2017 Bloemfontein was allocated a team in the T20 Global League, however, the tournament was cancelled just weeks before the first ball was bowled.

The 2020 MSL T20 is scheduled to start on 26 November with the final set for 26 December.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport