CLT20: Another shot at winning over the IPL faithful

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In terms of ambition, the Champions League T20 was to be the perfect tool to showcase, and popularise, franchise cricket. It was modelled on the UEFA Champions League, with clubs from cricketing nations teaming up for a short T20 event. But into its sixth edition, it hasn’t delivered on the promise front.

The IPL in India is still the benchmark, and the involvement of international teams somehow fails to pique interest among fans who get behind their local franchises (a reason to include a fourth Indian team). From September 13, however, up until October 4, the disappointments of the England tour will be forgotten, and cricket’s shortest format will once again drum up the entertainment before the home season in India gets under way.

In many ways, the timeframe set apart for the Champions League is about perfect for a T20 competition. The IPL lasts two months; back-to-back games in the middle of the Indian summer making it an annual TV soap opera. The expectancy of home advantage is less; teams from South Africa, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand make it a more global event, and the chance to see several international players, who could soon be seen being snapped up by several franchises in next year’s IPL. The Champions League then is the IPL’s poorer cousin, but the unpredictable nature of the competition could make it for interesting viewing.

Chhattisgarh’s Raipur International Cricket Stadium will host the six qualifiers featuring Lahore Lions (Pakistan), Mumbai Indians (India), Northern Knights (New Zealand) and Southern Express (Sri Lanka), before the main league kicks off with games scheduled in Hyderabad, Mohali and Bangalore. Gocricket.com takes a look at the teams making up the competition:

Kolkata Knight Riders: The IPL champions gained direct entry into the league stages by virtue of their title triumph a few months ago, but have been hampered by injuries to Morne Morkel and Chris Lynn, who have been ruled out of the tournament, as was Shakib Al Hasan, serving a disciplinary sanction by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The Indian domestic season was over before the IPL meaning several Indian players will be without practice, a situation that forced Yusuf Pathan, Piyush Chawla, Manvinder Bisla and Kuldeep Yadav to undergo a boot camp in South Africa. Gautam Gambhir, the inspirational two-time IPL-winning captain, however, is back playing franchise cricket after a nightmarish return to the Indian team on the England tour. Gambhir would have to brush aside that traumatic experience to lead his troops.

Perth Scorchers: Like KKR, Perth Scorchers triumphed at the Big Bash League, but like the Indian franchise, they too come into the tournament with a depleted squad. Simon Katich was their leading run-getter but is not available, nor is Shaun Marsh, who was injured. The franchise will rely heavily on Mitchell Marsh, who is coming off a successful trip with the Australian team in Zimbabwe.

Dolphins: Winners of South Africa’s domestic T20 competition, Dolphins make their Champions League bow under former South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Morne van Wyk, who has previously turned out for KKR. With David Miller opting to play for Kings XI Punjab, the Dolphins squad will miss the services of their explosive batsman, but Kyle Abbott’s presence in the bowling line-up gives them some international quality.

Barbados Tridents: The 2014 Caribbean Premier League champions will be without Dwayne Smith, Shoaib Malik and Kieron Pollard but still have enough quality to surprise bigger teams. Zimbabwe’s hard-hitting ODI captain Elton Chigumbura, James Franklin and Dilshan Munaweera will bolster the batting, while Ravi Rampaul will lead the bowling attack.

Kings XI Punjab: KXIP turned out to be the surprise package of the IPL and despite falling short of a maiden title, turned heads with their all-round performances. Despite an injury to Sandeep Sharma, who was a revelation with the new ball, the KXIP line-up screams quality under the astute leadership of George Bailey. Add to that the explosive batting order comprising Virender Sehwag, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller and Thisara Perera.

Hobart Hurricanes: Bailey’s absence from the Hurricanes has given discarded Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine a chance to step up. Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik will give the side important advice about playing on subcontinent surfaces, while Chennai Super Kings’ pace bowling duo – Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus – would know a thing or two about their former team. Aiden Blizzard and Ben Dunk add muscle to their batting order.

Cape Cobras: After falling two runs short of the Ram Slam T20 title, Cape Cobras will be out to go one better at the Champions League with a team full of South Africa’s top players. Justin Ontong has at his service the class of Hashim Amla, JP Duminy and Vernon Philander, and their most successful domestic spinner, Dane Piedt. Veterans Justin Kemp and Robin Peterson are sure to lift the team with their all-round skills.

Chennai Super Kings: CSK are out to emulate Mumbai Indians by attempting a second title. Free from international duty, MS Dhoni will look to his franchise to give his much-criticised captaincy a boost. Their all-round T20 skill under the Indian captain makes them one of the most feared sides in the competition.

Besides the sure-shot contenders, four teams will contest the qualifying stages with two of them set to go through:

Mumbai Indians: The defending CLT20 champions had to endure a difficult IPL but emerged late to snatch fourth place to earn a shot at a title defence. For majority of the competition, MI suffered by failing to field the right combinations and captain Rohit Sharma’s absence means fellow seniors like Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh and Lasith Malinga will have to step up. Star signing Corey Anderson’s lack of form was a subject of great debate during the competition, but his game-changing 94 against Rajasthan Royals proved how dangerous the side could be with the big players firing.

Lahore Lions: Pakistan’s T20 champions had to endure a difficult passage into India with a visa delay, but on match day, their quality is set to leave an impact on the competition. The absence of Pakistani players from the IPL means the Lions will lend additional charm to the event, and the team is full of quality with six Pakistan internationals – Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal, Nasir Jamshed, Aizaz Cheema, Wahab Riaz and captain Mohammad Hafeez.

Nothern Knights: Daniel Vettori’s withdrawal from the competition wouldn’t affect the side that already boasts of Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, BJ Watling and Ish Sodhi, the fulcrum of the revival in New Zealand cricket. Scott Styris brings in years of experience, most importantly of having played in India on several occasions.

Southern Express: Without Lasith Malinga and Tillakaratne Dilshan, the Sri Lankan side does look weak but expect them to fight tooth and nail. The familiarity with conditions in the subcontinent will make them a force to reckon with.