Durban: As the third season of SA20 kicks off this Thursday, former South African cricket captain and current League Commissioner, Graeme Smith, discussed what makes the tournament stand out among global T20 leagues.
The 2025 season begins at the iconic St George’s Park with a match between MI Cape Town and the defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Smith shared his thoughts on what makes SA20 unique, stating, “I believe our six franchisees have done a fantastic job in attracting competitive and skilled players right from the start. We’ve got the best of South African talent, exceptional foreign players, and some very talented local players. This year’s teams are even more formidable, which is exciting as we head into Season 3. When you look at the six squads, you can already see many potential matchups and exciting games ahead.”
He also highlighted the crucial role of passionate fans, noting their significant contribution to the league’s growing reputation. “The supporters are just as important as the players. The way the fans have come out in full force has been incredible. I’ll never forget the sight of fans cheering for their teams, showing their team colors, and enjoying the games in the first weeks of Seasons 1 and 2. These are amazing stories that will only grow year after year.”
Smith also pointed out the global appeal of the league, saying, “We’ve heard from people worldwide who’ve watched the games on TV and seen joyful South Africa, packed stadiums, and thrilling cricket. That’s the kind of atmosphere we aim to continue this season.”
One of the key players this season is Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who returns to lead MI Cape Town after being sidelined due to injury last year. Rashid, who captained Afghanistan in 29 T20 Internationals, expressed his excitement about the new season and his role. “Leading a team in a franchise was a completely new experience for me. We had a great time but ultimately fell short because we couldn’t manage our nerves. But this year, I believe if we stick to the basics and play to the best of our abilities, we can achieve the results we want.”
Rashid is hopeful for a redemption season after MI Cape Town missed the playoffs in both previous editions. He added, “We’ve learned from our mistakes, and I think this year, we’ll approach things differently. I’m excited to see how the team performs in Season 3.”
