NEW DELHI: Graeme Smith, SA20 League Commissioner and former South African cricket team captain, says the tournament is open to experimenting with new concepts like the IPL‘s Impact Player rule but is currently focused on keeping things simple for the fans.
In the recent IPL season, the Impact Player rule allowed teams to replace a player of choice at any point in the game.This new regulation has sparked a debate about its impact on the role of all-rounders, with many teams favouring big-hitters.
However, Smith expressed that implementing such a rule in the SA20 would be premature at this stage.
“We have been less experimental compared to IPL and its Impact Player rule. While we continue to establish the tournament, we are ensuring that people understand the cricketing aspect of it,” Smith told PTI.
“We did look at it (Impact Player) for the season, but we felt that it is too early for us to implement it. We are only into our third season compared to BBL and IPL,” Smith explained. “So, it remains traditional for us, but we will think every season about the possibility of introducing new things.”
The upcoming season, scheduled for January-February next year, aims to stick to traditional cricket to ensure a clear understanding and enjoyment of the game. Although there’s interest in trying new rules in the future, the league is prioritizing straightforward cricketing rules at this stage.
The SA20 League is set to welcome former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik to the upcoming season. Karthik, who will play for the Paarl Royals, recently announced his retirement from professional cricket, making him eligible for overseas Twenty20 leagues.
“We’re happy to see DK come in this year. He’s been a fantastic cricketer and is coming off a terrific IPL. It’s exciting for someone of his ability to come to South Africa, both with bat and gloves,” said Smith.
Karthik’s retirement followed his stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024. Under the current BCCI rules, active Indian players are barred from participating in overseas T20 competitions. However, Smith remains optimistic about future participation of Indian cricketers in the league.
“As for Indian players in the league, it is something we have always been patient about. It’s always on BCCI’s heads as to what they decide about the Indian players,” Smith added. “India has an immense talent pool, and everyone would want to see them play in our country. We’re close.”
In addition to Karthik, heavyweight players like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Kane Williamson are set to participate in the league, representing Royals, MI Cape Town, and Durban’s Super Giants respectively. The presence of these star players is expected to elevate the competition and attract a wide audience.
Smith also highlighted the positive relationship SA20 maintains with the BCCI.
“We have a good relationship with the BCCI, and they have been extremely helpful in making good decisions around SA20. We do work closely and have open conversations all the time.”
The SA20 League’s emphasis on traditional cricket and cautious approach to rule changes aim to provide fans with clear and enjoyable matches while laying the groundwork for potential future innovations.
In the recent IPL season, the Impact Player rule allowed teams to replace a player of choice at any point in the game.This new regulation has sparked a debate about its impact on the role of all-rounders, with many teams favouring big-hitters.
However, Smith expressed that implementing such a rule in the SA20 would be premature at this stage.
“We have been less experimental compared to IPL and its Impact Player rule. While we continue to establish the tournament, we are ensuring that people understand the cricketing aspect of it,” Smith told PTI.
“We did look at it (Impact Player) for the season, but we felt that it is too early for us to implement it. We are only into our third season compared to BBL and IPL,” Smith explained. “So, it remains traditional for us, but we will think every season about the possibility of introducing new things.”
The upcoming season, scheduled for January-February next year, aims to stick to traditional cricket to ensure a clear understanding and enjoyment of the game. Although there’s interest in trying new rules in the future, the league is prioritizing straightforward cricketing rules at this stage.
The SA20 League is set to welcome former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik to the upcoming season. Karthik, who will play for the Paarl Royals, recently announced his retirement from professional cricket, making him eligible for overseas Twenty20 leagues.
“We’re happy to see DK come in this year. He’s been a fantastic cricketer and is coming off a terrific IPL. It’s exciting for someone of his ability to come to South Africa, both with bat and gloves,” said Smith.
Karthik’s retirement followed his stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024. Under the current BCCI rules, active Indian players are barred from participating in overseas T20 competitions. However, Smith remains optimistic about future participation of Indian cricketers in the league.
“As for Indian players in the league, it is something we have always been patient about. It’s always on BCCI’s heads as to what they decide about the Indian players,” Smith added. “India has an immense talent pool, and everyone would want to see them play in our country. We’re close.”
In addition to Karthik, heavyweight players like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Kane Williamson are set to participate in the league, representing Royals, MI Cape Town, and Durban’s Super Giants respectively. The presence of these star players is expected to elevate the competition and attract a wide audience.
Smith also highlighted the positive relationship SA20 maintains with the BCCI.
“We have a good relationship with the BCCI, and they have been extremely helpful in making good decisions around SA20. We do work closely and have open conversations all the time.”
The SA20 League’s emphasis on traditional cricket and cautious approach to rule changes aim to provide fans with clear and enjoyable matches while laying the groundwork for potential future innovations.
