SA20 2024

‘It was a huge occasion for me’ – South African legend recalls how Indian T20 League changed his life

The Indian T20 League revolutionised cricket not just in India but all around the world. It changed the lives of many cricketers who earned big bucks playing in the league for a six-week season. South African legend was one such player who benefitted immensely from the tournament and he’s hopeful that the inaugural SA20 at home does the same for the younger generation of cricketers in South Africa.

The inaugural SA20, featuring six newly-constructed teams, will launch on January 10 at Newlands with the opening local derby between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals setting up an explosive start to South African cricket’s new-kid-on-the-block. All teams in SA20 are owned by Indian T20 League franchises.

De Villiers, who played in the Indian T20 League since its inception in 2008 till last year when he retired, says the SA20 is just the boost the game requires in South Africa.

“I think the SA20 comes at a really good time for South African cricket. We have seen the amazing things that these leagues have done to cricket in particular nations,” De Villiers told Cricket South Africa.

“To give our youngsters this base and the foundation to get exposure at the highest level against the best players in the world is what it’s all about.” Among the youngsters that De Villiers will be keeping a close eye on is MI Cape Town’s young batting sensation Dewald Brevis.

The 19-year-old has been a revelation since bursting on the scene during the ICC men’s Under-19 World Cup earlier this year when he shattered Shikhar Dhawan’s tournament record for the most runs. De Villiers further recalled his meeting with Glenn Mcgrath during Indian T20 League which he cherishes the most.

I think of Glenn McGrath and the time I spent with him: AB De Villiers

“It was a huge occasion for me and a lot of the other players. The start of the Indian T20 League changed our lives. The people are really passionate about cricket. Not only with the home team but they support members in other teams as well,” De Villiers said.

“The biggest thing that stands out for me are the people that I met. I think of Glenn McGrath and the time I spent with him. He was this hard guy and all of a sudden I am sitting with him in the changeroom and having a beer with him.” De Villiers was also full of praise for his former national team captain Graeme Smith, who in his role as SA20 League commissioner, has ensured South Africa will also now have a league to rival the best in the world “Graeme and I have come a long way together, and to have him right at the top of SA cricket right now, making a lot of good calls, and changing things,” he said.

“The SA20 … I don’t think it would have been possible if it weren’t for him and all his connections and experience. I think we all owe Graeme a real thank you for bringing this big tournament to SA.”