Former India cricketer hits back at SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith’s scathing criticism at ILT20
The rivalry between two major franchise cricket leagues, South Africa‘with SA20 and UAE‘with ILT20he escalated into a war of words.
SA20, the third edition of which began on January 9 and is scheduled to end on February 8, overlaps with ILT20, which runs from January 11 to February 9, 2025. This scheduling conflict has drawn sharp comments Graeme Smithformer South African cricket captain and current SA20 commissioner. In response, the former Indian cricketer hit back with a scathing criticism.
SA20 vs ILT20: Clash between two cricket franchises
Speaking about the ILT20, Smith emphasized the distinct identity of the SA20 and criticized the United Arab Emirates-based league, emphasizing that the SA20 differs from the ILT20 in that the South African league is primarily focused on the development and welfare of South African players.
“We see ourselves as very different from ILT20. We are a South African league, with a majority of South African players, and our ultimate goal is the welfare of South African players,” Smith said at a Captain’s Day press conference in Cape Town.
Graeme Smith’s scathing remarks about ILT20
Smith expressed that SA20 is positioned in opposition to ILT20, making it difficult for him not to criticize the league. He believes that heavy reliance on international players without investing in local cricket is detrimental to the game and poses a challenge to the future of global cricket.
“We’re built against the ILT20, so it’s very hard for me not to come across as insulting, but I feel like that’s not a good league to play in; that so many international players are needed to build a team; no investment in local cricket. It’s a challenge for the world game and something to deal with in the future“, he added.
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Indian legend retorts with a sharp retort
In a fiery reply, the former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag took a dig at Smith, saying it suggested Smith’s comments were driven by jealousy, as the ILT20 attracts a number of international stars, unlike the SA20. He also noted that the ILT20 benefits from a combination of established players and local talent from the UAE, who gain valuable experience playing alongside the legends.
“I feel jealous because we have a lot of international stars coming in, while their league lacks such international players. I can understand his pain but this is even better for ILT20. Here you can see established players alongside some local UAE talent working alongside legends and seasoned professionals,” Sehwag said on YouTube channel Snitch.
Also READ: ILT20 2025: David Willey, Jason Holder fire Abu Dhabi Knight Riders to dominant win over Sharjah Warriors
