Delhi: SA20 League Commissioner and former South African captain Graeme Smith believes that this T20 league can give South Africa the same new talent as the Indian Premier League (IPL) has given to India. Let us tell you that the third season of SA20 League is starting from Thursday i.e. 9th January.

Speaking to PTI, 43-year-old Smith said, “From the beginning, I wanted to make this league a platform to contribute in preparing players for the South African cricket team.” He admitted that there is a big difference between domestic and international cricket, but SA20 can reduce this gap. Through this, players are getting a chance to play with the best cricketers of the world.

Smith also said that SA20 has not only brought new cricket fans to South Africa, but the domestic players are also getting international level experience.

Smith expressed hope that this league will produce 30, 40 or 50 players who will compete to play for the country, just like India has got players from the IPL. He also said that South Africa reaching the finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 World Test Championship is proof of the growing popularity of cricket in the country.

The former left-handed opener said, “I am happy that the progress is in the right direction. “Three-four years ago, South African cricket was in a lot of trouble, but now it is good to see the team moving forward.”

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