RCB's SA20 entry given free passage by Cricket South Africa

South Africa legend Graeme Smith has said he would love to see Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) join SA20 in the future. The former Proteas captain is currently plying his trade as the commissioner for SA20.

South Africa's premier T20 competition has become a huge hit among the fans. Leading cricketers from around the world are participating in the league every year, making it one of the most sought-after T20 tournaments on the planet.

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IPL team owners take control of SA20

Due to its meteoric rise, SA20 has often been called South Africa's IPL. Another reason for it is the league's association with several IPL franchises.

Several teams in the league are owned by IPL franchises such as Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Durban Super Giants, Pretoria Capitals, and Paarl Royals.

Graeme Smith on RCB's association with SA20:

While six IPL franchises are directly associated with SA20, RCB is yet to be linked with the tournament in any capacity. The Bengaluru-based franchise is one of the most popular T20 teams in the world.

The franchise has a big fan following in South Africa, as well as several legendary cricketers from the country, such as AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis have played for the IPL outfit.

While only time will tell whether Royal Challengers Bengaluru links up with SA20 or not, Graeme Smith has said that he would love to see the association. The former cricketer talked about RCB's victory in the IPL this year before saying that he would love to see an RCB franchise in SA20.

"Even when I played for South Africa, it was amazing to see India’s love for the game and how they got behind RCB. I’m sure the celebrations are still continuing after this victory. If we expand in the future, to have the Bengaluru franchise would be incredible. They are one of the strongest franchises in the global game with such a passionate fan base," said Graeme Smith.

SA20 is looking to expand

Speaking further, Graeme Smith said that the league may look to expand by adding new teams after the fifth season.

Meanwhile, the auction for the upcoming season of SA20 recently took place. The highlight of the event was Dewald Brevis becoming the most expensive player in the history of the league.

The South African batting sensation was signed up by Pretoria Capitals for R16.5 million (approx. Rs 8.31 crore). Aiden Markram also earned a lucrative deal during the auction. The Proteas star was signed up by Durban’s Super Giants for R14 million.