The rivalry between two major cricket leagues, South Africa's SA20 and United Arab Emirates's ILT20escalated into a war of words.
SA20, which began its third edition on January 9 and is scheduled to conclude on February 8, overlaps with ILT20, which runs 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 responded with harsh criticism.
SA20 vs ILT20: A clash between two cricketers
Speaking about the ILT20, Smith emphasized the SA20's distinct identity and criticized the UAE-based league. He stressed 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, with a majority of South African players, and our ultimate goal is to benefit South African players. Smith said at the Captains Day press conference in Cape Town.
Graeme Smith's harsh comments about ILT20
Smith expressed that the SA20 was positioned in contrast to the ILT20, making it difficult for him not to criticize the league. He believes that relying too heavily on international players without investing in domestic cricket is detrimental to the game and poses a challenge to the future of world cricket.
“We're built against the ILT20, so it's very hard for me not to come across as if I'm doing them a disservice, but I feel like a league like this isn't good for the game; that there are many international players required to build the team; There is no investment back in domestic cricket. This is a challenge to the game world and something that must be managed moving forwardHe added.
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Indian lLegend responds with a sharp response
In a fiery response, the former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag He criticized Smith, saying it suggested Smith's comments were motivated by jealousy, as the ILT20 attracts many international stars, unlike the SA20. He also pointed out that the ILT20 benefits from having a mix of well-known players and local Emirati talent, who gain valuable experience by playing alongside legends.
“I'm jealous there because we have so many international stars coming in, while their league lacks such international players. I can understand his pain, but this is better for the ILT20. You can see well-known players here alongside some home-grown talent in the country United Arab Emirates who compete with legends and experienced professionals. Sehwag said on Snitch's YouTube channel.
