AB de Villiers orders BCCI to allow more Indian players to participate in SA20

Former South Africa National Cricket Team player AB de Villiers talked about the upcoming edition of the SA20. He said that, along with Dinesh Karthik, he would want some more Indian players to be part of the league in the future, which is much like the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The SA20 is one of the best Leagues that use franchise cricket. Along with the Indian Premier League, if there is any league that is right on the track with competition and money, it's the South African League, which will have its third edition being played in the coming days.

BCCI doesn't allow their players to play in foreign leagues as a part of their policy

However, what remains constant is that Indian players won't be allowed in this league as well, even though the teams are owned by the IPL owners. This is because BCCI doesn't allow their players to play in foreign leagues as a part of their policy, as they are allowed to play only in the IPL.

Dinesh Karthik, however, is all set to become the first Indian cricketer to compete in the SA20. However, this was only possible after he announced his international and domestic retirement last year. He will be part of the third edition, which will begin on 9th January.

Hopefully, the BCCI will allow us to get more Indian players in the future to come and join the fun of the SA20 - AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers expressed his desire to see more Indian players playing in the SA20. He urged BCCI to allow more players to play in the league. He stressed that allowing more overseas players will make the league stronger. Speaking to PTI, he explained:

“I would love to see more Indian players involved. We know Dinesh Karthik will be here this year, which is fantastic, and it’s great for the tournament. And hopefully, the BCCI will allow us to get more Indian players in the future to come and join the fun of the SA20.

“We (SA20) can just keep growing with regards to the overseas players. That’s a large part of the success of the IPL over the years and I’ve followed the IPL since 2008. It’s every year the overseas contingents seem to get stronger and stronger," said AB de Villiers.

You get the best players in the world and the best players in India and that combination makes for great cricket - AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers added that getting the best players in the world along with the Indian players makes the best combination. He said that it would be great for Graeme Smith and his team to take the league forward.

“You get the best players in the world and the best players in India and that combination makes for great cricket. So I think for Graeme Smith and his team moving forward it’s just to keep pushing hard, as hard as they can (to get the best overseas talent)." said AB de Villiers.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape will be playing the opening match of the SA20 2025 against Mumbai Indians Cape Town.

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