The SA20 league in South Africa has featured some of the best players in the world. With the owners of several Indian Premier League franchises buying teams in the Rainbow Nation, many wonder if the league can be rebranded M S Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina Or other retired Indian international. When the Commissioner of the League, Graeme SmithWhen asked about the same during a select media interaction, he gave a completely honest response, especially regarding the possibility of signing Dhoni.
As per the Board of Control for Cricket in India rules, no player can participate in T20 leagues outside India if he has not completely severed his ties with the BCCI. Although Dhoni has retired from international cricket, he is still playing IPL with Chennai Super Kings. Hence, it is unlikely for him to play another T20 league abroad as of now.
Asked about the possibility of signing Dhoni, Smith said he respects the BCCI and its rules. But, if given a chance to pick someone like Dhoni, Smith will not hesitate.
“It would be amazing to have a player like him. But as I have said earlier, we always work with and respect the BCCI. The fact that we have built up such a good working relationship with them and have been able to speak to And learn from them. I mean, they are extremely experienced in doing events like the IPL or the World Cup. And it’s a very important relationship for SAT20. From our point of view, we looked at it, we have one or two opportunities.
“Listen, it would be amazing to have a player like MSD, yes, I mean, we, as I said, we always work with and respect the decisions of the BCCI. And I think the fact that we have actually I’ve done a good job.” Relationship with them, we’re able to talk to them and learn and bounce things off of a lot of different factors. I mean, they’re extremely experienced, you know, of course, you know, doing these kinds of events, you know, from an IPL, World Cup perspective. And I think that’s a very important relationship for SA20. Yeah, look, I think, you know, from our perspective, you know, we looked at it and had one or two opportunities.
“I think the one thing we really wanted to build was a vibrant, young, up-and-coming, really competitive cricket league that you know. To keep up, bring a level to the league that we would be proud of.
When asked further about the subject, Smith admitted that he would pounce on any opportunity to take on someone like Dhoni in any capacity.
“Yeah, as far as I mean, I’m honored, having played with and against them for many years. I mean, I think the thing is our franchises are also very experienced, they’re the most successful, I think franchise-based teams in the world, they know how to run teams, they know what type of players they’re looking for, and, you know, have been able to recruit players and decide It’s how they want to play. So look, I mean, I think ultimately it’s always going to be up to them to choose the teams because there’s a central league.
“We don’t get involved in the selection of teams, we try and create a platform for more and more players and then our teams have to decide who they want to pick and play. But your perspective know from.” Some of the names you have mentioned, I mean world class cricketers, they have done a great job for India and the world game. So, you know, there will always be something that we would like to connect with.
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