Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers spoke about the upcoming edition of SA20. He said that, with Dinesh Karthikwould like some more Indian players to be a part of the league in the future, which is very similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
SA20 is one of the top leagues that use franchise cricket. Along with the Indian Premier League, if there is any league that is on track with competition and money, it is the South African league, which will have its third edition in the coming days.
BCCI does not allow their players to play in foreign leagues as part of their policy
However, what remains a constant is that Indian players will also not be allowed in this league, although teams are owned by the owners of IPL. This is because the BCCI does not allow its players to play in foreign leagues as part of its policy, as they are only allowed to play in the IPL.
Dinesh Karthik, however, is all set to become the first Indian cricketer to compete in the SA20. However, this was possible only after he announced his international and domestic retirement last year. It will be part of the third edition, which will start on January 9.
We hope BCCI will allow us to get more Indian players in the future to come and join the SA20 fun – AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers has expressed his desire to see more Indian players play in the SA20. He urged the BCCI to allow more players to play in the league. He emphasized that allowing more foreign players will make the league stronger. Speaking to PTI, he explained:
“I would like to see more Indian players involved. We know Dinesh Karthik will be here this year, which is fantastic and great for the tournament. And we hope BCCI will allow us to get more Indian players to come and join the SA20 fun in the future.
“We (SA20) can only continue to grow in terms of overseas players. It’s been a big part of the success of the IPL over the years and I’ve been following the IPL since 2008. It seems every year the overseas contingents get stronger and stronger,” said AB de Villiers.
You get the best players in the world and the best players in India and that combination makes for great cricket – AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers added that the best combination is to get the best players in the world along with the Indian players. He said it would be great for Graeme Smith and his team to lead the league forward.
“You get the best players in the world and the best players in there India and that combination makes for great cricket. So I think for Graeme Smith and his team going forward it’s just to keep pushing, as hard as they can (to get the best overseas talent),” said AB de Villiers.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape will play the first match of SA20 2025 against Mumbai Indians Cape Town.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah blasted by World Cup winners over SCG Test injury: “Forget playing for India”
