The RAM SLAM T20 Challenge is upon us once again. This year will be a little different. Each South African franchise is only allowed one overseas player. Five of the six T20 overseas cricketers will be from the Caribbean, West Indies to be exact, with only one cricketer will be from England.
Nashua Cape Cobras: Kieron Pollard (West Indies)
Sunfoil Dolphins: Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)
Chevrolet Knights: Andre Russell (West Indies)
bizhub Highveld Lions: Chris Gayle (West Indies)
The Unlimited Titans: Darren Sammy (West Indies)
Chevrolet Warriors: Craig Kieswetter (England)
"In my discussions with all the superstars, it has been satisfying to note their eagerness to play in here, as they regard South Africa as one of the best cricket leagues in the world," tournament director Graeme Smith said.
“The triple header concept was a huge success last season and one cannot think of a better way to launch the RAM SLAM competition with a triple header featuring all the Franchise line-ups at the Bidvest Wanderers,” Smith added.
CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, expressed his delight at the quality of the overseas signings. “We are determined to raise the standard and profile of our domestic cricket and there is no doubt that these top class international players will entertain our fans over the next six weeks,” he said. “With our Proteas stars coming into the competition during the latter stages when they return from Australia the RAM SLAM will be a competition to follow keenly.”
According to Dolphins skipper Morné van Wyk, the Dolphins will not be looking to defend their RAM SLAM T20 title. Instead, they're going for a consecutive title. However, the Dolphins will begin their campaign with Bravo.
Gayle will join the RAM SLAM for the third time in four seasons. He spent his seasons with the Dolphins but this time he joins the Lions. His past injuries should be a concern for the Lions. They are the reason he wasn't available for the Dolphins.
Kumar Sangakkara was going to join the Lions but had to withdraw to join Sri Lanka for their tour of India. Apparently Kevin Pietersen wanted to join the tournament but no teams went for it.
West Indies have no fixtures during the duration of the T20. Which is probably why they are available to play in the tournament.
This may be exciting and highly anticipated by the South African community but the West Indies still have a dark cloud hanging over them after they pulled out of their tour of India due to payment issues.!
For The Fans
The #GetCaughtRedHanded competition will see every fan at the stadium during televised matches stand a chance to win a share of One Million Rand. This competition will also get underway during this weekend’s RAM SLAM Triple Header and spectators attending RAM SLAM televised matches are required to take a clean one handed catch in order to qualify.
TRIPLE HEADER - 2 NOVEMBER 2014
10h00 – Chevrolet Knights vs Chevrolet Warriors
14h00 – Nashua Cape Cobras vs The Unlimited Titans
18h00 – bizhub Highveld Lions vs Sunfoil Dolphins
For a full list of the fixtures go to Cricket South Africa!
