Global Super League

Global Super League
Administrator	Cricket West Indies
Format	Twenty20
First edition	2024
Latest edition	2024
Next edition	2025
Tournament format	Round robin tournament and final
Number of teams	5
Host	Guyana
Current champion	-
Most successful	-
Most runs	-
Most wickets	-
TV	-
Website	Global Super League
	2024

The Global Super League (GSL) (officially known as the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League due to sponsorship reasons)^[1] is an upcoming professional Twenty20 cricket competition played between selected domestic teams from major cricketing nations. The tournament was organised by Cricket West Indies (CWI) and is chaired by cricket legend Sir Clive Lloyd. The inaugural season of the league is planned to begin in November 2024 in Guyana.^[2]

The tournament aims to promote T20 cricket across the Caribbean region and provide a platform for international and local talent to compete in a high-profile domestic competition.^[3] Five teams from different parts of the world will compete for $1,000,000.^[4]^[5]

History

The Global Super League (GSL), is set to take place in Guyana from November 26 to December 7, 2024. The league will feature teams from five different countries and is sanctioned by Cricket West Indies (CWI), with full support from the government of Guyana, a key stakeholder in the event. The GSL boasts a prize pool of $1 million and is poised to be South America's first standalone cricket event.

Among the teams participating, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the 2023 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions, will represent the host nation. The tournament will also include established T20 teams such as Hampshire Hawks, three-time champions of England's T20 Blast, along with Rangpur Riders from BPL and Victoria from Australia.

The GSL will consist of 11 matches, with each team playing four matches in the group stage. The top two teams will then advance to the final. All games will be held at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. According to a media release, the event is intended to be an annual competition, inviting different teams from around the world each season.

Clive Lloyd, chairman of the Global Super League, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "The passion for cricket in Guyana rivals that of fans anywhere, and we look forward to celebrating our love of the game and our rich and vibrant country."

Mohammed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, emphasized the government's commitment, noting, "The Global Super League has the full support of the Government of Guyana as we build a world-class sports tourism product. Cricket is part of our cultural history and an integral part of our strategic objective in economic diversification."

The tournament will kick off with a match between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Lahore Qalandars from the Pakistan Super League. However, the event may face challenges due to overlapping schedules. The West Indies will be playing two Tests against Bangladesh during the tournament, which could affect the availability of key players for the Warriors. Similarly, players from Rangpur Riders and Lahore Qalandars may also have international commitments during this period.

Additionally, the GSL will coincide with the Abu Dhabi T10 and Nepal Premier League, which are running from November 21 to December 2 and November 30 to December 21, further complicating player availability.

Overall, the Global Super League aims to position Guyana as a global sporting destination and to revitalize international club competition in cricket.

2024 Season

The inaugural season of the GSL is scheduled to take place from November 26 to December 7, 2024, in Guyana. The tournament will feature five teams from different countries, including the Guyana Amazon Warriors, winners of the 2023 CPL, as well as established T20 teams like Hampshire Hawks and Rangpur Riders. The league will consist of 11 matches, culminating in a final between the top two teams.

The GSL marks South America's first standalone cricket event and boasts a prize pool of $1 million. The tournament has received full support from the Government of Guyana, reflecting the nation's ambition to become a global sporting destination. It is intended to be an annual event, with different teams invited to participate each season.

As the GSL prepares for its inaugural season, it aims to enhance international club competition in cricket and celebrate the rich cricketing culture of Guyana. The league aspires to attract fans and players from around the globe, positioning itself as a significant addition to the cricketing calendar.