The 2009 Standard Bank Pro20 Series was launched in Johannesburg today and it promises to be another thrilling edition, as Cricket South Africa's premier domestic twenty-over competition explodes into action on 21 January 2009, much to the delight of cricket fans country-wide.
This year's Standard Bank Pro20 Series has new-look stadium activations, and for the first time in the tournament's history, the 2009 series offers a change in format: the introduction of a best-of-three semi final round. "Home" and "a! way" semi final games, with a third decider if necessary, ensure that fans get a rocking addition to the business end of the series.
Kass Naidoo, CSA Commercial and Corporate Relations Manager, said: "There is no doubt that the Standard Bank Pro20 series has attracted new fans to the game, helping to drive Cricket South Africa's vision of making cricket a truly national sport of winners.
"Standard Bank's innovative approach to this format has been copied in many parts of the world, and we look forward to another thrilling edition this year, which is sure to be the best yet since the tournament was launched five years ago.
"According to research undertaken by BMI-Sport Info in their latest Junior SportTrack Report, cricket is the second most popular spectator sport amongst the youth and CSA is confident that cricket's popularity will continue to grow with the success of the Standard Bank Pro20."
Clement Motale, Director Group Spons! orships, Standard Bank, said: "The Pro20 series has grown enor! mously s ince our launch of the format in 2004 – it's incredible that this year on the Kaboom Tour 09 we are celebrating the sixth edition! The enormous success that we have seen over the last five years in Pro20 cricket has been built on a business model of constantly evolving the game, the stadium and broadcast experiences, and the many elements that make up the sportainment of Pro20.
"The 2009 series looks set to deliver, once again, the outstanding levels of contest we've seen in previous series. Standard Bank Pro20 cricket has always been the place to set sights on the emerging specialists in the twenty-over game.
"We look forward to welcoming back cricket lovers from around the country – their overwhelming support is the proof that that the Standard Bank Pro20 series remains a winning formula, from event to broadcast, to quality action packed cricket."
The sixth Standard Bank Pro20 Series kicks off on Wednesday, 21 January 2009, with the Chev! rolet Warriors hosting the Nashua Titans at Sahara Oval, St George's in Port Elizabeth. The match kicks off at 6pm.
The Standard Bank Pro20 series offers affordable sportainment for all age groups, with ticket prices starting at R20.
On behalf of Cricket SA
