The Texas Super Kings franchise has announced that veteran South African opener Faf du Plessis will lead the side in the inaugural Major Cricket League (MLC) edition to be held from July 14-31. Du Plessis, who previously captained Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2023, currently serves as the captain of Johannesburg Super Kings in SA20. His association with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL was fruitful, contributing significantly to their title victories in 2018 and 2021.
Rohit Sharma with his daughter – a beautiful picture. pic.twitter.com/aaAd1fPTjZ
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 15, 2023
Du Plessis joining the Texas franchise marks a reunion between the Super Kings and one of their respected players. Additionally, the franchise has signed Ambati Rayudu, who retired after IPL 2023, along with CSK players Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner to represent Texas in MLC 2023.
Devon Conway, who was named player of the match in the rain-affected three-day IPL 2023 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, played a key role in CSK’s successful chase of 171 in 15 overs, hitting a quickfire 25-ball 47. . Also made an important contribution by scoring 19 runs in eight balls.
The team will be under the guidance of Stephen Fleming, who serves as the head coach of both CSK in IPL and Johannesburg Super Kings in SA20. CSK bowling coach Dwayne Bravo will join the Texas franchise as a player during the IPL 2023 win.
The Texas-based franchise will feature South African players David Miller and Gerald Coetzee, as well as Australian fast bowling all-rounder Daniel Sams. Coetzee had earlier played for the Joburg Super Kings in this year’s SA20.
Fleming will be accompanied by Eric Simmons and Albie Morkel in the team. During the MLC Player Draft held in March, the franchise acquired the services of former internationals Sami Aslam and Rusty Theron as well as Saiteja Mukkamalla, Milind Kumar, Kodi Chetty, Kelvin Savage, Zia Shahzad, Cameron Stevenson and Lahiru Milantha.
The Texas Super Kings will begin the six-team league by facing the Los Angeles Knight Riders on July 14 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Other participating teams include the Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, Washington Freedom and the Seattle Orcas.
Each team is allowed a maximum squad size of 19 players, with nine players eligible to be overseas players. A maximum of six international players can be included in the playing XI, while five domestic players must always be included. Each roster must have at least ten domestic players.