SA20: Graeme Smith Emphasizes Growth Over Expansion and Women's League Plans

Mumbai, Dec 1 (NationPress) As SA20, South Africa's franchise-based T20 league, gears up for its third season scheduled for January-February 2025, Graeme Smith, the League Commissioner, is pleased with its development thus far but mentions that there is no immediate intention to expand or innovate.

SA20 was initiated in 2023, featuring six teams that represent various cities across the nation. All teams are owned by entities linked to Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, establishing a strong connection with Indian cricket, which they are looking to enhance further by appointing Dinesh Karthik as the India Ambassador for SA20.

Similar to IPL, Smith noted that he is not particularly inclined to add more franchises or introduce rules like the Impact Player for the upcoming third edition of SA20.

"We always thought that year five onwards is when we would consider adding more franchises. The IPL also took its time to expand from its beginnings. For us, the focus is on nurturing the quality of South African players. Having robust domestic talent is essential for building a successful tournament, as demonstrated by the IPL with its Indian players," said Graeme Smith, the League Commissioner for SA20, during the SA20 India Day in Mumbai.

Smith also underscored the importance of leagues in enhancing the domestic cricket framework and strengthening the player pool, pointing to the IPL's influence on Indian national teams as a case in point.

"Just look at India a few weeks ago; they had an A-side and a Test side in Australia and a T20 side competing in South Africa. The depth of talent is remarkable. We want to ensure that if there are 70 players involved in SA20, they are all strong players, with a steady flow of young talent emerging. When considering franchise additions, one must assess the quality of cricket and the fan engagement," he elaborated.

"As we approach season three, if we witness a successful season with South African players excelling alongside international stars, it will indeed provide a foundation for future growth," stated Smith, a former South African opening batsman.

Smith acknowledged initial concerns about the league's viability, given that past attempts to establish similar leagues in South Africa had faltered.

"When creating these initiatives, there is always a degree of apprehension. However, achieving full stadiums and attracting fans in South Africa is promising. In India, this is ingrained in the culture. For a long time, cricket in South Africa lost its way due to politics and other factors. The last domestic match that sold out in South Africa was in the 90s, prior to SA20. Last year, we averaged over 380,000 attendees, marking a record for attendance," he mentioned.

"A lot of this success can be attributed to the caliber of the event, the franchises, and the players, as highlighted by Dinesh and Mark. Looking towards Season 3, I believe South African cricket has never witnessed such a high quality of players participating alongside local talent," Smith added.

He remarked that while it may not sound appropriate to aspire to be No. 2 in anything, SA20 has positioned itself as the second-largest league after the IPL in just two seasons.

"It feels odd to say we aim to be the number two league globally, but realistically, the IPL is extraordinary. It's a powerhouse that has driven significant changes in the cricketing world. We have been fortunate to collaborate with six IPL franchises and the BCCI in developing SA20, learning from their successful practices over the years. After two seasons, the statistics, viewership, digital engagement, and crowd attendance indicate that we are indeed the number two league," stated the SA20 league commissioner.

Smith, who participated in the SA20 India Day alongside brand ambassadors Mark Boucher and Dinesh Karthik, stated that the current focus will be on the league's growth.

"Our priority now is growth. We are committed to building on the first two editions and ensuring we progress continuously. I recall initial discussions with international players who were hesitant to come to South Africa due to previous unsuccessful attempts. Now, players are eager to join because the environment is competitive, crowds are enthusiastic, and South Africa is a fantastic destination. This is an exciting prospect for us," he expressed.

The 43-year-old Smith confirmed that there are no immediate plans to establish a women's SA20 league, preferring to wait until the domestic structure is more developed.

"Yes, I often get asked this question, and it is indeed an aspiration for us. However, it's crucial to note that South African cricket is just beginning to cultivate a depth of women's talent. Cricket South Africa has invested in its first professional contracts at the domestic level, not yet at the international stage.

"From an SA20 perspective, we are supporting these initiatives. We have launched a school program this year, involving over 500 schools for both girls and boys. We are also investing in the under-19 sector, focusing on coach development and player investment to expand the talent pool. The progression may parallel that of the IPL, starting with exhibition matches.

"Moreover, the women's cricket calendar is increasingly congested. The South African women's team is actively participating in various leagues, including the women's IPL and Big Bash, which are already well-established. Therefore, it is essential to find a suitable time frame and calendar that can successfully accommodate a league of that nature," he concluded.