Former South Africa captain and SA20 League commissioner Graeme Smith says the competition is open to trying new concepts, like as the IPL’s Impact Player rule, but for the time being, he is focused on making things easy for the spectators.
Opinions on whether the much-discussed Impact Player rule—which permits teams to substitute a player of choice at any time during the game—was diminishing the value of an all-around player as teams were more likely to choose big-hitters over all-arounders during the IPL’s previous season.
Smith stated that for the time being, SA20 want to adhere to basic, conventional cricket.
“We’ve experimented less than the Indian Premier League with its Impact Player regulation. Before the third season, which is slated to take place in January and February of next year,” Smith spoke with PTI. “We are making sure that people understand the cricketing aspect of it while we continue to establish the tournament.”
“We want cricket fans to have the best possible experience and for the game’s quality to stand out.” As required by international law, we have made an effort to keep it straightforward,” he stated.
Smith stated that making such a change to SA20 is premature.
“We considered implementing Impact Player for the upcoming season, but we decided it was too soon. Compared to the BBL and IPL, we are just in our third season.
“So, it remains traditional for us, but we will think every season about the possibility of introducing new things,” he said.
Smith expressed his excitement at the prospect of former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik participating in the forthcoming season. Karthik is the sole Indian participating in the competition, where he will represent Paarl Royals.
“We’re glad DK could make it this year. He’s had an incredible IPL and has been a brilliant cricket player. For someone of his caliber to travel to South Africa with a bat and gloves is amazing “added Smith.
After playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League 2024, Karthik declared earlier this year that he was retiring from professional cricket. This move allowed him to continue playing in international Twenty20 tournaments.
Although BCCI regulations prevent current Indian players from taking part in international T20 tournaments, Smith maintained hope for the future.
Regarding Indian players in the league, we have consistently exercised patience in this regard. What the BCCI decides with the Indian players is always up to them,” he said.
“There is a wealth of talent in India, and everyone wants to watch them perform here. We are near.
“The BCCI and I get along well, and they have been a huge assistance in helping us make wise judgments on SA20. We do collaborate closely and have candid discussions frequently.”
Other heavyweight players like Joe Root (Royals), Ben Stokes (MI Cape Town), and Kane Williamson (Durban’s Super Giants) would also be present in the SA20.
