Amidst preparations for the second version of SA20 which is scheduled to begin on January 10, South Africa have opted to ship a second-string group to New Zealand for the upcoming two-match Check sequence scheduled to begin on February 4. Cricket South Africa (CSA) has encountered important criticism for prioritizing T20s over Check matches, prompting them to launch a press release emphasizing monetary concerns.
Graeme Smith defends South Africa’s precedence on SA20
Addressing the criticism, SA20 League chairman Graeme Smith dismissed arguments suggesting that the home league may severely jeopardize the way forward for Check cricket within the nation. Throughout an interview with PTI, Smith acknowledged the necessity for diminished schedule clashes between Check excursions and their home-grown franchise event within the coming years.
“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,” Smith stated.
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Smith’s protection of home league significance
The previous captain emphasised the importance of the home league, stating that it’s essential for the nation’s future and can play a considerable position.
“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,” the 42-year-old added.
Smith’s views on ODI format’s challenges
Whereas Smith didn’t acknowledge any perceived hazard to the longest format, he holds the view that the ODI format is certainly dealing with a correct risk.
“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,” the Johannesburg-born cricketer concluded.