Kagiso Rabada will be one of three captains for the event ©Getty Images

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the launch of an "innovative" format which will see three teams participate in a single cricket match.

The inaugural Solidarity Cup will take place on June 27 at SuperSport Park, with the event the first live sport in South Africa since the coronavirus lockdown in March.

The format will see 24 cricketers split into three teams of eight, with the match taking place over two halves of 18 overs.

Each team will have one innings of 12 overs.

They will bat and bowl to one opponent in each half for six overs, with bowlers only allowed a maximum of three overs to either opposing team.

Following the seventh wicket of a team's innings the last batsman will remain alone.

The team with the most runs will win the contest.

CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith said the organisation was excited about the
CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith said the organisation was excited about the "thrilling new format" ©Getty Images

"It’s been quite some time since the South African public and fans of cricket worldwide have been able to consume the game we all love," said Graeme Smith, CSA director of cricket.

"I know that the players are itching to get back into action as well, which is why we as CSA are so excited about the Solidarity Cup.

"It’s a thrilling new format and a match that is working towards a greater good.

"We are proud to partner with 3TeamCricket on this project."

South African stars AB de Villiers, Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock will captain the three teams for the event, which will be broadcast by SuperSport.

The event will see money raised for the Hardship Fund, which will aim to support people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.