Seventh wonder for T20 series

The veil of secrecy has been lifted, if only partially, on the new domestic Twenty20 competition, which starts tomorrow.

A seventh team has been added to the South African version of the Indian Premier League and Australia's Big Bash.

The new side will be made up largely of fringe players in South Africa.

The latest addition,called the Impis, will be captained by former England test player Paul Collingwood.

Collingwood and Ryan ten Doeschate - a South African who plays for Holland - will be two of the four internationals in the side.

The other six teams will be limited to only two internationals each.

The Impis will be coached by former Proteas' assistant coach Vincent Barnes and their home ground will be Willowmoore Park, Benoni.

The identities of the other two internationals in the squad are still shrouded in mystery, though they are believed to be Indian players. T20 cricket assumes greater significance this year.

A place in the lucrative Champions League for the finalists will not be the only incentive.

There will also be places on offer in the South African side for the T20 World Cup in September in Sri Lanka.

Overseas players in the tournament include former West Indies captain Chris Gayle (Dolphins), Pakistan-born former England player Owais Shah, Australian Brad Hogg (both Cobras), Pakistani Sohail Tanvir and Australian Dirk Nannes (both Lions).

The Impis squad is: Paul Collingwood (England), Ryan ten Doeschate (Netherlands), Adrian McLaren (Griquas), Dominic Hendricks (Lions), Richard Cameron (Lions), Cobus Pienaar (Easterns), Charl Pietersen (Griquas), Khaya Zondo (Dolphins), Siya Simetu (WP), Beuran Hendricks (Cobras), Craig Alexander (Lions), Pumelela Matshikwe (Lions), Ryan Canning (WP), plus two overseas players still to be named.