SA20 has innovated game in South Africa, has elevated standard of cricket: Graeme Smith

In the annals of cricketing history, cricket in South Africa has always been known for its fierce teams and rich talent pool, but in recent years, the sport seemed to have lost its way. However, with the advent of the SA20, the tide has turned, and the nation's cricketing spirit has been revitalized like never before. In a recent interaction post the conclusion of Season 2 of the SA20, League Commissioner Graeme Smith delved into the intricacies of what made the league a celebration of high-quality cricket entertainment, not only in South Africa but across the globe. 

Reflecting on the stellar season that the SA20 witnessed, League Commissioner Graeme Smith lauded the league's journey since its inception and how the SA20 has revived the sport in South Africa. He remarked, “I think we have to be honest, cricket lost its way in South Africa for a number of years, for various reasons, whether it was team performance, whether it was issues at a Cricket South Africa level.

And I think for me it was great to see the spirit of back, when you think of rugby and football being popular, obviously at a national level they are, but for a domestic-based tournament, we have been able to smash numbers across the board and compete very well. So we've actually done better than other sports over the same period.

So it's hugely positive and for me just to see South African cricket back stronger, to see the people coming out, see the youngsters coming for the games, and the sport of cricket back in South Africa I think for me that's a goosebump moment as we have set up the SA20 just to do that and I think we are well on the journey to getting people to love the game in South Africa again.”

Smith's sentiments encapsulate the remarkable resurgence of cricket in South Africa, as evidenced by the overwhelming success of the SA20. From outstanding performances to a surge in crowd attendance and commercial interest, the league has exceeded expectations in every aspect. “The cricket was outstanding to watch. All cricket stats improved dramatically.

Crowd numbers are up, commercial numbers are up, and broadcast viewership numbers are up. So I think for us it was always going to be how we could grow into season 2. At the end of the last season, they were saying it was a one-hit wonder, but we are not. We have established ourselves as a very strong league now. In two years, we have been able to achieve, if I think about the number of players who have been a part of the SA20 now, I think we have seen the South African players get better and there's a stronger crop of players now who are available for selection in the Proteas. 

I am very interested to see what type of squad they put together for the World Cup now after the SA20. So I think for all the facets that we wanted to create, we have certainly grown. Most of all, now that we have established ourselves as one of the strongest leagues in the world and we have ambitions to be the biggest league outside India, I think we have taken a big step in the right direction,” Smith stated, highlighting the league's unprecedented growth.

Furthermore, the SA20 has not only elevated the standard of cricket but has also unearthed a plethora of talented players who are now vying for selection in the Proteas squad. Smith emphasized the league's role in nurturing talent, stating, “I think it's twofold. There's the young players, and they've become even stronger. Some of them were even part of the U-19 World Cup, and I think next year they'll get even stronger. But I think it's the middle tier that has stood out for me in this season. You think of Matthew Breetzke, Ottneil Baartman, you could name 10 players that put up a much bigger performance than anyone expected. 

So outside of the top 15 players who have been playing for South Africa and have been pushing for selection, you now have another crop of 10-15 players who are pushing for places, and that's what we wanted to do. We wanted to see the cricket standard lift, that there were more players pushing for places in the Proteas team, and I think it's going to be an interesting selection for Rob Walter, the coach, as there are a lot of options, and he needs to get his combinations right. 

Obviously, he leads all conversations and with the T20 World Cup being in the Caribbean and the US, I think he'll have to take those conditions into consideration. I think the SA20 has done its job in the fact that it has innovated the game in South Africa, it has elevated the standard of cricket and it has exposed our players to another very intense competition with big crowds and against the best players and that's what we wanted to do and I think we have done that this year and hopefully next year will be even better.”

As the SA20 looks ahead to its future endeavors, Smith highlighted the league's ambitious goals and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. He emphasized, “We are very satisfied with season 2. I think the feedback we received was incredible. For us it is always important to have perspective on how you can get better every year.

I also think it's important that we understand that so much work has gone into establishing the SA20 and putting South African cricket back on the map, that you must take those moments to reflect and be proud of what you've done but every year we want to get stronger, we want to get better. So we are an ambitious league, and I think in season 2 we have achieved a lot of our goals and established ourselves and we are very happy with what we have been able to achieve.”

The success of Season 2 of the SA20 not only reaffirms South Africa's status as a cricket powerhouse but also highlights the league's global impact and appeal. With its stellar performances, talented players, and unwavering support from fans, the SA20 is poised to lead South African cricket into a new era of prosperity and success.