Gibbs in Cape Cobra squad for Champions League

Johannesburg:

Herschelle Gibbs will represent his home team Cape Cobras, instead of his Indian Premier League franchise Deccan Chargers, in this year's Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

Convenor of selectors for the Cape Cobras Omar Henry on Tuesday announced the initial 20-member squad, led by South Africa captain Graeme Smith, which include Gibbs for the tournament due to be held in India from October 8 to 23.

Gibbs' inclusion came as a surprise since he was expected to play for Deccan Chargers.

Cape Cobras CEO Andre Odendaal said the side pencilled in Gibbs after the Chargers had released him.

"The Chargers confirmed over the weekend that Herschelle would not be in their squad and we are thrilled that a player of his pedigree will now be in the team," Odendaal said.

"It means a loss of potential income, but our first priority has always been to go to India to win," he added. Under the rule, Deccan Chargers would have required to shell out $200,000 to Cape Cobras if they were to retain Gibbs' service in Champions League.

Squad:

Graeme Smith (Captain), Derek Brand, Ryan Canning, Henry Davids, Jean-Paul Duminy, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Herschelle Gibbs, Claude Henderson, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Richard Levi, Carl Nieuwoudt, Justin Ontong, Vernon Philander, Francois Plaatjies, Andrew Puttick, Gurshwin Rabie, Leonard van Wyk, Stiaan van Zyl and Monde Zondeki.