Test is my favourite format but the cards have been dealt and we are unfortunately going to miss the NZ series: Aiden Markram

Cricket South Africa has been shaken by the recent criticism they have faced for prioritising the upcoming SA20 over the two-match Test series against New Zealand. The Proteas have decided to send a second-string squad to New Zealand, in which seven uncapped players have been called up, including captain Neil Brand.

The governing body explained its financial standpoint behind the decision but hasn’t received a lot of support from the cricketing world. Meanwhile, Aiden Markram has recently opened up on the situation, explaining the point of view of the players. The all-rounder who hit a sensational century in the second Test against India at Newlands stated that red-ball cricket is still his favourite format but can’t skip SA20.

“You want to play Test cricket as a cricketer, that's for sure. It's still my most favourite format of the game. (But) ultimately, the cards have been dealt and we are unfortunately going to miss that series in New Zealand. It's still quite new in the world at the moment and hopefully, over this next year we can carve a new way forward,” Markram was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

SA20 will be a huge tournament moving forward: Markram

Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, Sunrisers Eastern Cape won the inaugural edition of the SA20 in 2023. Ahead of the next season, Markram opined that the tournament has the potential to be huge in the coming future, especially with IPL owners being a part of it.

“It is very exciting, last year it was a fantastic competition to be a part of and a great start to be what I believe, it will be a huge tournament moving forward. IPL gets huge appreciation because of how successful it has been for so many years. I think SA20 can grow each player," Markram said.

The upcoming edition of the SA20 will begin on January 10 with defending champions Eastern Cape taking on Faf Du Plessis’ Joburg Super Kings at St George's Park in Gqeberha.