Asian dominance in SA League irks Cullinan

In the past too, he has been vocal about a lot of issues related to South African cricket, and now, as the country gears up for its inaugural Global T20 League, the fact that all the franchises are owned by Asian corporate groups hasn't gone down well with Cullinan.

Published : Jun 20, 2017 18:40 IST

Shah Rukh Khan-owned Cape Town Knight Riders will be one of the eight teams in the T20 Global League.
Shah Rukh Khan-owned Cape Town Knight Riders will be one of the eight teams in the T20 Global League.
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Shah Rukh Khan-owned Cape Town Knight Riders will be one of the eight teams in the T20 Global League.

Daryll Cullinan is not known for mincing his words. Just like his flamboyant batting style, the former South Africa batsman loves calling the spade a spade.

In the past too, he has been vocal about a lot of issues related to South African cricket, and now, as the country gears up for its inaugural Global T20 League, the fact that all the franchises are owned by Asian corporate groups hasn't gone down well with Cullinan.

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The former batsman took to Facebook on Tuesday to express his dissatisfaction. Posting a group photo of the South African players with the franchise owners and Cricket South Africa (CSA) boss Haroon Lorgat, Cullinan wrote that this trend clearly shows that the people in South Africa are not interested in investing in the league.

"This picture of South Africa T20 Global League owners, CSA Reps and marquee players just doesn't look and feel right to me. Played in South Africa, owned by Asia. What's clear, is that white and black cash in this country is not interested in investing in South African cricket. Anti or no cash back?," he wrote.

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He was vocal about racism in team selection too. "We hear the need for transformation everyday but I only see one black marquee player. Clearly, the Asian owners have said it's my money, if you want it, I select who I want, I present to the world what I want. Yes, team selection will cover this angle but here is a photo opportunity for South African cricket and this is what we get to see? Another venue, another circus and all the clowns are becoming all to familiar now. Every man has his price they say. We know CSA has," Cullinan lashed out at the CSA officials.

When contacted by Sportstar , Cullinan said, "I wrote what I feel, and that’s all I have to say on this matter."

Interestingly, all the teams in the league are bought by the corporate groups of Asia. While India's Knight Riders and GMR own two franchises, Pakistan's Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandar own the other two. The remaining two teams are from indistrial groups of middle East.

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