Allan Donald: SA20's Growth Hinges on Indian Players' Interest
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Synopsis
Allan Donald emphasizes the potential exponential growth of SA20 with Indian players' involvement, highlighting the importance of BCCI's participation in the league which is approaching its third championship final.
Key Takeaways
- Allan Donald advocates for Indian cricketers in SA20.
- BCCI's influence on SA20 is significant.
- Dinesh Karthik's participation marks a milestone.
- Donald envisions exponential growth for the league.
- Rumors of new franchises are circulating.
Johannesburg, Feb 7 (NationPress) Former South African fast bowler Allan Donald is of the opinion that the inclusion of Indian players in the SA20 league will lead to significant growth, especially with the upcoming final set to determine the third champion between MI Cape Town and the reigning champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape on Saturday.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa's premier T20 league - SA20 - from its start. However, prior to this season, the BCCI had never permitted any Indian player to take part, until Dinesh Karthik represented the Paarl Royals.
The Royals exited the league after succumbing to the two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the second qualifier held in Centurion on Thursday.
"Well, it’s not my place to decide. Clearly, the BCCI is the most powerful cricket board globally. I believe it would be fantastic to see a fresh wave of talented young Indian cricketers participating in SA20," Donald shared with IANS on Friday.
At 58, the former fast bowler expresses a strong desire to see prominent Indian players join the league, a topic that has been under discussion with the BCCI for quite some time.
"There are established figures like Rohit Sharma, who has proven himself over the years. If we could see some Indian cricketers eager to join SA20, it would be remarkable. This league would expand tremendously. As I mentioned, this has been a topic of discussion; it has been well-promoted. Will we witness additional Indian cricketers coming to our shores and engaging in SA20? I recall thinking during the inaugural year that this was a substantial competition. The second year surpassed it, and this year we are achieving unprecedented milestones.
"Currently, there are whispers of potential new franchises being introduced. I spotted a post on Instagram this morning suggesting the emergence of 'Royal Challenges Bloemfontein'. Who knows what will materialize by the year's end? However, it’s clear that if Indian cricketers are available, I am confident that Graeme Smith (the league commissioner) and his team would seize that opportunity," he added.
