Graeme Smith, the commissioner of South Africa T20, expressed his excitement about seeing South African talent in the tournament’s second season, which is modelled after the Indian Premier League (IPL). Being the first T20 league outside of India, SA20’s six local franchises are owned by the Indian Premier League. This year’s tournament, which is scheduled to take place from January 10 to February 10, will include six teams: the Durban Super Giants, Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town, Paarl Royals, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and Pretoria Capitals. In February of this year, Sunrisers Eastern Cape defeated Pretoria Capitals in the championship game to win the first season.
Smith discussed the competition with ANI prior to the season, saying, “I am excited. A lot of work goes into it, and it always gets nervous at this time of year.” I am thrilled for several reasons, one of which is cricket-related: our six teams appear to be incredibly well-balanced and full of talented South African players. Season two looks to be even better than season one, and some incredible international players are coming. As League Commissioner, I observe that all six teams appear to be equally competitive, which bodes well for thrilling games.”
“There is absolutely an association that the strength of the IPL brands have built up over the last 15 to 16 years,” he said in reference to the relationship between the Indian Premier League franchise and the SA20 League. From a cricketing standpoint, the boys from South Africa and India are close; the Indian supporters have been very supportive of the South African team. We hope that as the sun rises, viewers everywhere will tune in to watch SA 20 “continued Smith.
According to him, the competition seeks to provide South African talent with an opportunity to showcase their abilities and increase their chances of being included in the Proteas team for the T20 World Cup. “It is a huge platform for the players; it is the last kind of showcase for the local players to put their hand up for selection for the World Cup,” Smith stated.
