Graeme Smith, the commissioner of SA20, is eager to see an increased presence of Indian players in South Africa’s T20 league. For the 2025-26 season, the league will run from December 26 to January 25, marking a departure from the customary Boxing Day Test. Smith, speaking from Mumbai, cited the significant cricketing talent and fan base originating from India as key motivators. He mentioned continuous engagement with the BCCI to explore potential pathways for Indian players, operating within the current regulatory landscape. The league has seen limited Indian participation to date, with Dinesh Karthik being the sole representative. The BCCI’s current stance prevents active Indian players from competing in foreign leagues. Smith emphasized that the deep ties between SA20 franchises and the IPL provide a strong foundation for future collaborations, particularly in attracting Indian talent should regulations permit. The emphasis remains on securing high-impact players for competitive team compositions.
