GQEBERHA: Amidst the talk of T20 cricket taking precedence over Tests in South Africa, national team coach Shukri Conrad said recently, "SA20 has to happen, it is going to be the lifeblood of SA cricket. If it doesn't happen, we won't have Test cricket anyway." Conrad's comment reflects the hope and excitement surrounding the SA T20 league which gets under way on Wednesday with six franchises playing 34 matches across six cities.
In the season opener, defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape will take on Johannesburg Super Kings on their home turf here on Wednesday.
Speaking to TOI on what the league means to the nation, Paarl Royals' skipper David Miller said, "The IPL started 16 years ago, we can all see what it has done for the depth of Indian cricket with younger players coming through and getting exposure. I don't think it gets better than that. The standard of SA T20 league is very high, especially with overseas players coming in and boosting the event. Spending a month together with the younger guys - constantly teaching and learning from each other is the best way of growth. That is a standout for me in the competition."
The left-handed batter added that youngsters would benefit the most. "For the younger players to play in front of larger crowds adds a little more pressure and to play under that pressure is what the guys need," pointed out Miller. Aiden Markram, who marshals the defending champions Sunrisers, believes the League is important for the growth of cricket.
"It will be a huge tournament moving forward. IPL gets huge appreciation because of how successful it has been for so many years. I think SA20 can help each player grow." Joburg Super Kings captain, Faf du Plessis, stressed on the need to promote the league for a better future.
"We have seen over the years what a difference IPL makes to young guys. This tournament is a big stepping stone for the future of South African cricket. The superstars we can get here are important for the tournament. Guys that many of the young players would only have seen on TV," pointed out the former South African skipper.
NAMIBIA, NETHERLANDS CHECK IN
A subplot to the competition is the national teams of Namibia and the Netherlands using the build-up to the event to prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup. The teams have been in South Africa for a week and have played practice matches against franchises.
(The writer is in South Africa on an invitation from Betway SA20 league)
