Graeme Smith admitted that he has additionally opened the door for MS Dhoni’s entry and nonetheless holds out hope that he’ll be a part of the SA20 league regardless of the BCCI rule.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 21, 2023 16:06 IST
MS Dhoni would add lots of worth to SA20 league: Graeme Smith (Courtesy of BCCI/PTI)
By India Today Web Desk: Graeme Smith would like to see MS Dhoni take part within the SA20 league as soon as he’s achieved taking part in within the IPL and can attain out to the World Cup-winning captain on the first alternative.
Smith, South Africa’s most profitable captain, is the commissioner of the inaugural SA20, through which IPL franchisees personal all six groups. Since retiring from worldwide cricket in 2020, Dhoni, 41, has solely performed within the IPL. He is at present ineligible to play in abroad leagues as a result of his involvement within the IPL. The first version of the league options no Indians.
“It will be amazing to have a guy like MS here. We respect the BCCI’s decision. We have created a good working relationship with them and we talk to them regularly, learn and bounce ideas off. They are hugely experienced in organising these type of big events,” Smith stated in a media interplay.
“From our perspective, we looked at one or two opportunities (retired Indian players). We wanted to build vibrant young and up and coming competitive cricketing league. Someone like MS would add a lot of value to our league to it. If there was an opportunity, I will be reaching out to him.
With teams in South Africa sporting IPL-style jerseys and logos, the tournament appears to be an extension of the world’s largest T20 league. The BCCI has expressed concerns about how teams are promoting themselves in South Africa, but Smith said no such concerns have been raised by the Indian board.
“We have a detailed relationship with the BCCI and nothing of that kind has been raised,” Smith asserted.
Asked about the response the league has got from all stakeholders, Smith added: “The league has been blessed with some nice particular person performances from South Africans as nicely the worldwide names.
“Then at the stadiums to be able to get this type of energy we have got from our fans capturing the imagination after a negative period in the game has been incredible,” he added
Published On:
Jan 21, 2023
