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A rivalry between two major franchise cricket leagues; south africaS SA20 and the United Arab EmiratesS ILT20has devolved into a war of words.
SA20, which began its third edition on January 9 and is set to conclude on February 8, will overlap with ILT20 from January 11 to February 9, 2025. This scheduling conflict has drawn sharp comments from Graeme SmithFormer South African cricket captain and current SA20 commissioner. In response, a former Indian cricketer gave a scathing reply.
SA20 vs ILT20: Clash between two cricket franchises
Speaking about the ILT20, Smith emphasized the SA20’s distinct identity and criticized the UAE-based league, insisting that the SA20 differentiates itself from the ILT20 by being a South African league that primarily focuses on developing and benefiting South African players.
“We see ourselves as very different from the ILT20. We are a South African league, we have a lot of South African players and our ultimate goal is to benefit South African players.” Smith spoke at the Captains Day press conference in Cape Town.
Graeme Smith’s serious comments on ILT20
Smith noted that the SA20 was placed in contrast to the ILT20, which made it difficult not to criticize the league. He believes that relying on international players without investing in domestic cricket is detrimental to the game and a challenge to the future of international cricket.
“We are built on ILT20, so it is very difficult for me to come across as I am bad-mouthing them, but I feel like the league is not good for the game; With so many international players to build a team, there is no return on investment in local cricket. That’s a challenge for the world game and something that needs to be driven forward.He added.
as well WATCH: Joe Root cleans George Linde by a hole in SA20 2025.
Indian LEjeng responds with a sharp response
In a fiery response, the former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag He took a dig at Smith, saying his comments were driven by jealousy as the ILT20, unlike the SA20, attracts a number of international stars. He pointed out that the ILT20 will benefit from having established players and local UAE talent who will gain valuable experience playing alongside legends.
“I feel jealous there because we have many international stars coming in but their league is starved of such international players. I can understand the pain, but this is even better for ILT20. You will see players based here rubbing shoulders with legends and experienced professionals along with some of the local UAE talent. Sehwag spoke on YouTube channel Snitch.
