SA20 is just four weeks a year, there would be a lot of chance to play Test cricket: Graeme Smith

Due to the second edition of SA20, South Africa have decided to send a second-string team to New Zealand for the two-match Test series, which is slated to begin on February 4. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has faced a lot of backlash for prioritising T20s over Test matches as they later issued a statement focusing on the financial standpoint. 

Meanwhile, former skipper Graeme Smith has stated both SA20 and Test cricket can co-exist. He added that the franchise-based tournament will only last for four weeks and there will be plenty of time to play Test cricket for the rest of the year. The 42-year-old clarified that SA20 is a big part of South Africa’s cricketing future and they won’t be able to change things related to the tournament.

“SA20 is (for) four weeks a year which we operate on and obviously, one or two challenges happen and that’s not ideal. That should get better and better every season. South African cricket has made a commitment that SA20 is a big part of its future and gives it the best chance to succeed. I believe it’s just four weeks a year and there would be a lot of chance to play Test cricket” Smith was quoted as saying by Sportstar. 

ODI cricket is going to find itself in challenging space: Smith

Smith believes that ODI cricket’s future is at stake. He mentioned that some of the patches of the game are slow and the spectators interact very less. He expects the number of ODI matches to reduce significantly in the coming days, with players featuring more in Test cricket and T20s.

“There are two more World Cups that have been sold to broadcasters and one in SA in 2027 and 2031 is back in India. Even in between the cycle, ODI cricket is going to find itself in challenging space. One format that is falling is the category where people are less interested and patches of game which are going to be slow. Test cricket is always going to be enthralling and we know how much T20 they enjoy and the success it has commercially gained.

“So, I believe between World Cups, you will see ODIs getting lesser and lesser. That’s my feeling,” Smith said.