Sundar Raman picks up 12.5 percent in new SA T20 League

Former Chief Operating Officer of the Indian Premier League, Sundar Raman, who is currently working as a consultant with Chennai Super Kings, has picked up a 12.5% stake in a company that will be helping Cricket South Africa re-launch a fresh franchise-based T20 league earlier next year. Raman, who played a big role in conceptualizing the cash-rich league back in 2008, was one of the most powerful persons among the paid employees of the BCCI.

According to a report in 'Cricbuzz', a document headlined "MSL: Re-imagined" was presented at a special CSA members council meeting on April 25. In it, Raman is listed as holding a 12.5% share in the company unveiled on Friday as the vehicle to drive the establishment of the tournament.

"CSA own 57.5% and broadcasters SuperSport the remaining 30%. The first edition of the as-yet-unnamed six-team competition is planned for January 2023."

Raman's active involvement in the league has brought in interest from two franchises with whom he has actively worked -- Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. A senior BCCI official said that for any cricket board across the globe establishing a new league, it is always imperative that stakeholders check out if MI and CSK are interested or not. Obviously, Sundar's involvement makes it even more interesting.

As of now, Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders also own Caribbean Premier League franchise Trinbago Knight Riders.