Indians more likely to play in SA20 than any other league: Smith
Graeme Smith, former South African captain and commissioner of SA20 (South Africa’s T20 league), believes that the IPL (Indian Premier League) is in a better position to attract Indian players than other countries due to the involvement of the owners. is in The Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) does not allow contracted and domestic Indian (men) players to participate in any other T20 league except IPL and remains a controversial issue. The owners of all the six franchises in SA20 also have IPL teams and Smith hopes this will open the way for players from India.
Smith, who has been one of the most successful captains in Test cricket, however, said that the final decision in this matter will be with the BCCI as it is a matter related to their players. Smith told ‘PTI-Bhasha’ here, “We feel that if the BCCI ever changes its mind, we are fully prepared.” Obviously the relationship with the IPL owners puts us at an advantage, however the final call in this matter will rest with the BCCI.”
“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,” Smith said in an interview courtesy of ‘Sports 18 and Geo Cinema’. Will talk about it. “The former captain said,” We have a good relationship with the BCCI. We will always work with them, but ultimately it is their decision how they manage their players.
The 42-year-old former veteran had recently expressed his desire to include Dhoni in the team. They said that they are ready to extend a warm welcome to the World Cup-winning captain. “I think MS (Dhoni) is a great friend of South African cricket and if he decides to come along, 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 (Chennai) Super Kings in the IPL.
Smith said, “Dhoni was very interested in SA20, he was expecting it to be successful before the tournament. He wants to see strong South African cricket. Dhoni, 41, has been playing only in the IPL since his retirement from international cricket. Being involved in the IPL, he is currently not eligible to play in foreign leagues.
