Legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow more Indian players to participate in SA20, South Africa’s premier T20 league. His remarks follow the inclusion of Dinesh Karthik, who retired from international cricket last year, as the first Indian player to feature in the tournament. Karthik will represent the Paar Royals in the league’s third edition, starting January 9.
De Villiers Welcomes Indian Participation
As the SA20 Brand Ambassador, de Villiers praised Karthik’s participation, highlighting its potential to increase the league’s appeal.
“I’d love to see more Indian players involved. Dinesh Karthik joining this year is fantastic and great for the tournament. Hopefully, the BCCI will allow more Indian players to join SA20 and be part of the fun,” de Villiers said during a media interaction on January 7.
BCCI’s Policy on Overseas Leagues
The BCCI enforces a strict policy that prevents active Indian male players from participating in overseas leagues. This exclusivity, however, does not apply to Indian female cricketers, who are permitted to play in leagues in England and Australia. In response, some Indian male players have opted for early retirement to explore opportunities abroad.
Lessons from the IPL
De Villiers stressed the importance of overseas players in the success of leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and suggested that SA20 could adopt a similar model.
“The IPL’s success is largely due to the quality of its overseas players. Since 2008, I’ve seen the overseas contingents grow stronger every year, which elevates the cricket. Combining the best players from around the world with India’s top talent makes for exceptional competition,” de Villiers explained.
He encouraged Graeme Smith and the SA20 team to focus on attracting top-tier international players to enhance the league’s stature.
De Villiers’ T20 Legacy
AB de Villiers remains a T20 cricket icon, particularly for his tenure with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL from 2011 to 2021. Known for his legendary partnership with Virat Kohli, de Villiers became a fan favorite for his on-field brilliance and sportsmanship. His continued contributions as a mentor and ambassador underscore his lasting influence on the global cricketing landscape.
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