The tournament is still in its infancy, and all teams have strengthened their teams and attracted bigger names from the top cricket-playing nations. However, the 10-over format is a different ball game compared to T20 cricket. It isn't easy to pick a side at the start of any league to win, but let's look at the team composition and performances last season to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
# Jo'Burg Bangla Tigers
The inaugural season winner has changed their name, and they will hope for their second title win in the new avatar. Last year, the team had its hits and misses on the league stage, but the side performed brilliantly in the playoffs and finals. Chris Lynn is a seasoned campaigner who will look to lead from the front. The team has a strong batting lineup with players like Charith Asalanka, Hazratullah Zazai, and Sikandar Raza. The bowling attack is also strong, and they will be one of the top contenders for the title.
Squad - Chris Lynn (c), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Hazratullah Zazai, Adam Milne, Luke Wood, Karim Janat, Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Antum Naqvi, Tashinga Musekiwa, Jihnathan Campbell, Tinashe Muchawaya, George Linde, Mohammad Shahzad, Kimani Melius, Kevin Koththigoda
# Durban Wolves
The Wolves have also seen a name change, and the side would like to grab the title they missed last season, losing in the final. They had dominated in the league stage last year, finishing at the top of the points table, but lost their mojo in the final. Colin Munro takes the change as the new skipper and brings vast experience. Their young and uncapped players did well last year, and the side will expect good performances from Mark Chapman, Will Smeed, Muhammad Waseem, and Dawlat Zadran.
Squad - Colin Munro (c), Mark Chapman, Will Smeed, Sharjeel Khan, Muhammad Irfan, Yasir Shah, Regis Chakabva, Gary Ballance, Tinotenda Maposa, Donald Tiripano, Innocent Kaia, Emmanuel Bawa, Muhammad Rohid, Muhammad Waseem, Dawlat Zadran, Mbeki Joseph, Raveen De Silva
# Cape Town Samp Army
After playing well, the Cape Town Samp Army lost in the Eliminator last season. The side hasn't declared a captain yet after Moeen Ali pulled out of the tournament. They will be one of the major contenders for the title. They have good hitters in the lineup and a bowling attack that can cause trouble for the bowlers. With players like David Willey, Dawid Malan, Gulbadin Naib, Qais Ahmed, and Adam Rossington in the squad, they will be one of the teams to watch out for this season.
Squad - Haider Ali, David Willey, Dawid Malan, Gulbadin Naib, Qais Ahmed, Adam Rossington, Shahnawaz Dahani, Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ben Curran, Michael Frost, Brian Chari, Tawanda Maposa, Rohan Mustafa, Salman Irshad, Leonardo Julien, Sineth Jayawardena
# Harare Bolts
The team arrives in a new avatar. On paper, the Bolts would be one of the toughest sides to play against. However, they didn't meet the expectations last year and barely made the playoffs. Former Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka takes charge of the side and aims to get the best performances out of them. They have got some of the best players in the shorter format. The batting lineup is highly experienced, and players like James Neesham, George Munsey, Sean Williams, and Junaid Siddique will look to deliver the goods.
Squad - Dasun Shanaka (c), James Neesham, George Munsey, Rishad Hossain, Shehan Jayasuriya, Kennar Lewis, Sean Williams, Faraz Akram, Brandon Mavuta, Luke Jongwe, Alex Falao, Arineshto Vhezha, Richard Gleeson, Junaid Siddique, Lahiru Milantha, Michael Palmer, Janishka Perera
# Bulawayo Brave Jaguars
The Bulawayo Brave Jaguars finished at the bottom of the points table last season. They played poorly, and key players failed to deliver. The franchise has made wholesale changes this year and brought in David Warner as captain. He will look to lead from the front and make a good start. They have a strong bowling attack that will not be easy to score against. Their batting isn't the strongest, but they have players who have proven their skills. Players like Carlos Brathwaite, Richard Ngarava, Akila Dhananjaya, and Wellington Masakadza will look to turn the team's fortunes this year.
Squad - David Warner (c), Carlos Brathwaite, Nick Hobson, Kobe Herft, Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere, Panashe Taruvinga, Victor Chirwa, Laurie Evans, Sabir Ali, Akila Dhananjaya, Anamul Haque, Kirk McKenzie, Vishas Thewmika
# NYS Lagos
The team makes its debut this year, and they will look to make their presence felt. Thisara Perera, who has huge experience in leading franchises, takes charge of the team and shall look to inspire confidence in the camp. The team has a mix of young and experienced players and has a strong batting lineup. Blessing Muzarabani, Asif Ali, Najibullah Zadran, and Oshane Thomas are good players in this format, and they will compete hard in the middle.
Squad - Thisara Perera (c), Blessing Muzarabani, Asif Ali, Najibullah Zadran, Binura Fernando, Akhilesh Bogudum, Oshane Thomas, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Dion Myers, Romario Roach, Nyasha Mayavo, Newman Nyamhuri, Avishka Fernando, Matiullah Khan, Joshua Bishop, Kaveesh Sathsara