Former South Africa wicket-keeping batter Mark Boucher has said that hosting the SA20 in India in the future could be a great idea. The second season of SA20 is ongoing with Paarl Royals set to face Pretoria Capitals at Boland Park.
Speaking to PTI, Boucher said hosting SA20 in India could be a great idea, insisting that India and South Africa share a great cricketing relationship. The 2009 edition of the Indian Premier League was held in South Africa.
“I think it’s a great idea. I’m not against it. The IPL happened in South Africa, and we can do the same, as both cricketing nations share a great relationship. Although the challenges of playing in India will be different, it will still be great. Maybe Graeme Smith (SA20 commissioner) can work on it,” said Boucher.
When asked about South Africa sending in an under-experienced squad for their Test series against New Zealand, Boucher said they need to get their scheduling right. South Africa has named an under-experienced squad for their upcoming two-match Test series against the Kiwis.
“Something has to be done; we need to get the scheduling right. Our best players are playing in the league (SA20), which is needed for it to be a success. This tournament was on the cards for a long time, so there should have been discussions with New Zealand to reschedule the tour. Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game, and you want the best teams playing against each other,” said Boucher.
He went on to say that Cricket South Africa is hoping that SA20 can have the same impact as the IPL did on the young cricketers coming in. India is currently the top-ranked team in T20Is.
“IPL has boosted youngsters in India. The first edition of SA20 was a success despite being a trial one; the crowd came in large numbers to watch high-quality cricket. The one thing we can learn from the IPL is how it has boosted the youngsters in India, and that’s exactly what we are trying to do here,” Boucher added.
