Allan Donald (Photo Source: Twitter)
Since its beginning in 2023, SA20 has attracted many fans. With franchises owned by IPL stakeholders, the league has drawn inspiration from its Indian counterpart in terms of quality and entertainment. The tournament has quickly become a premier franchise cricket tournament and is all set for its third season from January 9, 2025.
Among the major talking points is Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik‘s inclusion in the league, as he is set to become the first Indian player to participate in SA20. Karthik, who retired from international cricket this year, will represent the Paarl Royals in this edition. Having played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and turned to a mentorship role within the franchise, Karthik will now begin his stint in SA20 as both a player. Legendary South African pacer Allan Donald, an SA20 ambassador, shared his thoughts on the Indian cricketer’s involvement.
“I think, since I’ve seen him come on board, I think it’s awesome. It really is awesome that an absolute Indian legend—a guy who, for me, is such an intelligent cricketer. I actually really enjoy listening to him commentating. I think he’s just a breath of fresh air. And it’s great to see an Indian guy who’s an ex-international—a guy who’s had a wealth of experience in the IPL—being signed up. It’ll be awesome to see him play if he does play,” Donald told Star Sports.
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Donald gave his take on superstars joining this league. He opened up about how this will help the local players and expand their reach. He also credited that the tournament will help to grow South Africa Cricket overall.
“Like I’ve said before, I mean, young cricketers, like everywhere in the world, are looking up to the Indian superstars, the Indian Premier League, and what it stands for. It’s just getting bigger, better, and faster. And to have one of your own playing in the SA20 is just a masterstroke. It really is. I think it’s wonderful to see. He’s still a fine cricketer. You know, he can play. And I think just listening to the launch and him being around and doing his stuff over there in India and promoting the SA20—I thought it was… He was just superb. It was great. It’d be absolutely wonderful to have him around. It’ll mean a lot to the young cricketers that is for sure,”
He also mentioned the Indian players he would love to have seen in the SA20. Donald picked star batter Virat Kohli, who the South African pacer worked closely with during his coaching stint with RCB.
“Oh my gosh, that’s a—where do I start? Where do I start getting a player from there? If I’m a batter, I’m Virat Kohli all over there. If it’s a bowler, 100 percent Bumrah. 100 percent. My goodness me, can you imagine that? Can you actually imagine some Indian players—or if you’re allowed to pick one? That’ll just put it to another level. That’ll add another level of how big this tournament can become if you’re allowed to. Imagine two—oh, imagine two per team. But we’ll keep it there at one. I’ll have those two players for me—Kohli and Bumrah. If I have to pick from a batter or a bowler—100 percent sure.”