Cricket legend AB de Villiers has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow more Indian players to take part in South Africa’s SA20 league. As the brand ambassador for the tournament, de Villiers believes that having Indian players in the league would significantly boost its global profile and attract more attention from fans worldwide.
Dinesh Karthik Becomes First Indian in SA20
The third season of SA20, starting January 9 will see a historic moment as Dinesh Karthik becomes the first Indian player to take part. Having retired from international cricket, Karthik will play for Paar Royals, one of the tournament’s top franchises.
De Villiers expressed his excitement about Karthik’s involvement. “I would love to see more Indian players involved. We know Dinesh Karthik will be here this year, which is fantastic, and it’s great for the tournament. Hopefully, the BCCI will allow us to get more Indian players in the future to come and join the fun of SA20,” de Villiers said during a media interaction on Tuesday.
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Why BCCI’s Approval is Crucial?
At the moment, the BCCI doesn’t allow active Indian male cricketers to participate in overseas leagues. However, the board has a different approach for female cricketers. They are permitted to play in tournaments like the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and The Hundred.
Despite the restrictions, several retired Indian players have sought opportunities in foreign leagues. De Villiers highlighted the role of top-tier foreign talent in the success of tournaments like the IPL.
“We [SA20] can just keep growing with regards to the overseas players. That’s been a large part of the success of the IPL over the years, and I’ve followed the IPL since 2008. Every year, the overseas contingents seem to get stronger and stronger. You get the best players in the world and the best players in India, and that combination makes for great cricket,” he noted.
SA20’s Growing Popularity
Launched in 2023, the SA20 league has quickly gained recognition. With Graeme Smith at the helm as commissioner, the tournament aims to become one of the leading T20 competitions worldwide.
De Villiers believes bringing in more Indian players will further boost the league’s growth and visibility.
“For Graeme and his team, the focus should be on attracting top overseas talent. The combination of local and international players makes for thrilling cricket, and it’s a formula that’s worked wonders for leagues like the IPL,” de Villiers added.
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