Johannesburg: Former South African captain and SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith believes the involvement of IPL owners will put his country’s league in an ‘advantageous’ position compared to others to recruit Indian players in any capacity in the near future. Keeps in
Contracted and domestic Indian players are not allowed to participate in any other T20 league except the IPL, and this remains a controversial issue.
However, what Smith is hopeful of is that all six franchises in the SA20 are run by owners who own IPL teams.
Smith, one of Test cricket’s finest captains, was quick to add that the BCCI will always have the final say on the matter as it involves their players.
“We feel that we are fully prepared if the BCCI ever changes its mind. Obviously the relationship with the IPL owners puts us in an advantage, but it is still the BCCI’s decision. The interaction was organized by Sports18 and Jio Cinema.
“We will work with Jay (BCCI secretary Jay Shah) and everyone else, and if they decide there should be a change in policy, we will talk to them about it.
“We have good relations with the BCCI. We will always work with them, but ultimately it is their decision how they manage their players.
The 42-year-old Smith, who recently expressed his desire to include Dhoni in the team, said he is ready to welcome the team. World Cup winning captain with open arms.
“I think MS is a great friend of South African cricket and if he decides to come we will welcome him with open arms. We met each other at the airport a couple of times. I think right now his focus is on doing well for the Super Kings in the IPL.
“He’s had a lot of interest in the SA20, saying before the tournament that he’s hoping it’s a huge success… Wants to see South African cricket grow stronger.” The 41-year-old Dhoni has been playing in the IPL since his retirement from international cricket in 2020. He is currently not eligible to play in foreign leagues due to his involvement in the IPL. One of the deliverables for the league’s stakeholders is to find traction in the sport’s biggest market, India. Smith is also well aware of the huge viewership of the sport in India.
“We know about the viewership in India. Everyone would love to be able to play some Indian talent in their league.
“But as I said, the BCCI has a very strong feeling about this. We will work with them and if they (BCCI) ever change their mind, we will definitely work with them (Indian players).
Not afraid to take on challenging roles, something he has done throughout his career – from being appointed captain of the national team at the age of 22 to taking over as director Cricket In his worst phase in South Africa (CSA), Smith said that his only aim now is to make South African cricket strong.
“There has been a lot of politics in the last few years, a lot of negativity, and it has definitely affected the cricket of it. So it is quite satisfying now to put cricket first and take it forward.
“It is important for world cricket that South African cricket is strong. There are strong men’s and women’s cricket teams,” said Smith.
Viacom18, the digital media rights holder of the IPL, is broadcasting the league for Indian viewers.
Smith was delighted about the league’s success in its inaugural season, calling it “incredible”.
“I think season one has been an incredible success on and off the field. The standard of cricket from local and international players has been very good.
“I think the league has been very competitive. And the energy that SA20 fans, the public in South Africa and internationally have been able to generate as well … The response we’ve had from broadcasters around the world has been really positive.” Has been
“For people who often talk about the business side, it is extremely important for cricket in the country to be commercially and financially stable, and I think the league will certainly benefit from this.” Smith, who remains Test cricket’s most successful captain with 53 wins from 109 matches, said, “The expertise that comes back to the game is the coaches, physios, fitness trainers, franchisees and the business acumen that they bring to the south.” have been African cricket, I think it will raise the bar for South African cricket.” Could the league someday play a role in helping South Africa win their first World Cup? No doubt it’s a long shot, but Smith seemed optimistic.
“The domestic players who are playing in the SA20 have never played in front of a full crowd before. Playing under pressure only pays off.
“We can also bridge the gap between international and domestic cricket with this. You are attracting big international players and the league can allow selectors to have a pool of 25 to 30 players instead of 15 to play for the national team.
“We want to see our team ranked number one in the world, challenging for trophies,” Smith signed off.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)