MTN continues to set new trends regarding sport in South Africa – the cellular giant recently announced changes to the format of the domestic 45-over game and launched the new MTN40 competition, which sees the cream of South Africa’s domestic talent go head to head for Ayoba honours!
Sponsorships Manager Bernard Pieters chats to DESTINY MAN about the MTN40 tournament.

The new MTN40 format is full of new innovations and ideas. Give us a brief rundown of the changes to the new format of the game.
The MTN40 sees a host of rule changes designed to make matches even more exciting than in previous seasons. The biggest change, as the name suggests, is reducing matches to 40 overs a side, instead of the traditional 45 overs. There will also be a five-minute strategic time-out after the 20th over in each inning. Day/night matches are scheduled to start at 16:00 and finish by 22:00, with a 30-minute dinner break between innings. Day games are scheduled to start at 10:00 and finish by 16:00, with a 30-minute lunch break between innings.
Additionally, rain delays will see an immediate reduction in overs, instead of extending the hours of play. There will be three Power Plays per innings, the first of which is compulsory during the opening 10 overs and the remaining two (of five overs each) to be taken at the behest of the batsmen at any time during the innings, except between the 36th and 40th overs. A first in cricket will see the ability to use all 12 players in the squad during the match. These will take the form of rolling substitutions, with captains being able to bring on a designated batsman, fielder or bowler when needed.
As in previous seasons, the MTN40 will have the MTN Cricket Challenge during the innings break at the semi-finals and final, which will see the two non-playing members of the teams and lucky fans compete in a series of cricket challenges to test their fielding, bowling and batting prowess. Fans will also have the opportunity to bowl the opening delivery for their favourite franchise. One lucky fan will take the field with the bowling side and deliver the opening ball before the batsman takes guard before the start of the match.
Another new introduction will be the MTN40 Autograph Zone to allow for more interaction between players and the fans. There will be specific autograph zones around the field during the game, where non-playing squad members will be on-hand to sign autographs for the fans and interact with them. MTN will also be continuing its Backyard initiative to invest money back into the development of the game. It is our aim to get as many children as possible to become part of the cricket family and take part in one of the greatest South African pastimes. To this end, MTN will be donating R100 for every four hit during the MTN40 and R250 for every six hit during the tournament. MTN will increase this to R200 for every four and R400 for every six hit during the one-day international home series against Zimbabwe and England.

What got MTN thinking about changing the format?
The changes have been designed to take out the quiet period during the middle of the 45-over competition. As we are trialling it in South Africa, it also puts our cricketers in a very good position should the International Cricket Council decide to change the 50-over game to 40 overs.
We are very excited about the MTN40, as it builds on our long-time involvement in one of South Africa’s favourite summer pastimes. The new format and rule changes herald an exciting time for cricket in South Africa as we want fans to come and experience first-hand the action that takes place on the field and not the sidelines.

Pro20 cricket has grabbed the attention of the world. Do you think it has been a good thing for cricket?
There is no arguing the fact that Pro20 has changed the way many people view cricket. The entertainment on the side of the field has been good, to give young people a taste for the game. However, with 40- and 50-over cricket, spectators get to experience cricket on the next level. While there are plenty of things happening on the sidelines, such as the MTN World of Cricket where kids of all ages can test their cricketing skills, the new playing conditions have been designed to almost guarantee the excitement stays on the field of play and the real heroes are the cricketers.