Veteran top order batsman Herschelle Gibbs will make his first appearance of the summer on Friday when the Cobras travel to Kingsmead for the MTN40 opening match against the Dolphins.
Gibbs, who is now a limited overs specialist, and another South African cricket warhorse Justin Kemp should give the Cobras the know-how and experience to be a team to beat in both limited overs competitions this season.
The defending champions, the Warriors, start their campaign on Sunday against the Titans, who did not land any of the three domestic trophies last season.
The Warriors have had a rough start to the season. Bad weather has curtailed their last eight days of first-class cricket and all in their top order except Ashwell Prince not showing much form.
The Warriors are the team most affected by Proteas' call-ups.
However, they were in much the same position last season when the franchise regulars got them through to the knock-out phase before the international stars returned to put the first trophies in the cabinet.
Colin Ingram and Rusty Theron were not Proteas a year ago and made telling contributions to their trophy successes. They also had Johan Botha available for most of the MTN40 campaign.
Good news for the Warriors is that Davy Jacobs is back at the helm for the first time since injury and his inspirational captaincy has clearly been a factor in their successes.
Mark Boucher is a week away from his return, which will also strengthen the Warriors.
The second match on Sunday pits the Highveld Lions against the Knights in Potchefstroom.
The Knights, like the Titans, are normally around at the business end when trophies are decided, but missed out last season.
One of their stalwarts, Morne van Wyk, is playing at the top of his form at the moment.
The Knights are also benefiting from the fact that Ryan McLaren is surplus to Proteas' requirements at the moment. He is rapidly establishing himself as the top all-rounder in the domestic game.
They have always been a breeding ground for young talent and they have some good youngsters such as Reza Hendricks, Dean Elgar, Rilee Rossouw and Obus Pienaar on the upwardly mobile trail.
The Lions are experiencing something of a renaissance at present and their success in last season's Standard Bank Pro20 will no doubt rub off on this season's MTN40 campaign. – Sapa