The third edition of the SA20 will start on Thursday, when the Sunrisers Eastern Cape host MI Cape Town at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.
This year’s SA20 will coincide the International League T20 in the United Arab Emirates.
The SA20 allows a maximum of four players from outside South Africa in an XI. The ILT20 allows nine.
“We see ourselves as very different to the ILT20. We’re a South African league, with a majority of South African players and our ultimate goal is to benefit South African players,” said SA20 league commissioner Graeme Smith.
“We’ve been built up against ILT20, so it’s very difficult for me to not come across like I’m badmouthing them, but I do feel like a league like that is not good for the game, that there’s that many international players required to build a team.
“There’s no investment back into local cricket. That is a challenge for the world game and something that needs to be managed going forward.
“We’re a full member nation. Our priority is to put on a global league, but to benefit South African cricket. That’s important for us.”
Several SA20 teams are owned by Indian Premier League franchises. These include the Joburg Super Kings, Durban’s Super Giants and Paarl Royals.
“What we have focused on is building the SA20 to the point where we are now being recognised as one of the biggest leagues outside the IPL. That’s important for us, and that’s the feedback we’re getting.
“And what we’ve seen from a player group is that this is where players want to play because it’s competitive, there’s good crowds, the standard of cricket is good, and this is the place to come and challenge yourself.”
Meanwhile, MI Cape Town will soon name a replacement for the injured Ben Stokes. The Pretoria Capitals will name a replacement for the injured Evin Lewis.
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