Africa-Press – South-Africa. The new league’s draft will take place on 19 September to fill out the six teams with 17 players, 10 of which will be local and seven international.
The six teams will be co-owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, which have attracted the likes of Stephen Fleming, Lance Klusener, Jos Buttler, Maheesh Theekshana and Liam Livingstone to its roster.
Bavuma says that the SA20 could potentially see South Africa’s young talent burst onto the lucrative IPL.
“I’m excited for the upcoming SA20. It is going to be a massive opportunity for our local players to rub shoulders with the best T20 players around the world and to share knowledge with those players,” said Bavuma in a press statement.
“The knock-on effects could also mean opportunities for players to be involved in IPL-owned teams and seeing more of our young talent within those IPL leagues.
“For the young players, the SA20 will become a platform for them to develop their skills. We can see what the IPL has done for Indian cricket and their young guys, they come in and play with confidence and no fear,” he continued.
“We expect to see that in five to 10 years’ time in our local game. It’s an opportunity to make a name for ourselves in T20 cricket and show people what we (South Africa) can do.”
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South Africa’s players will be up for a life-changing opportunity at the auction taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, as the six franchises bring out their $2 million purses to finalise their squads for the January inaugural event.
Bavuma, who has played 25 T20Is for the Proteas, hopes to be involved in the SA20 auction.
“The auction will be massive. As players, we will get to know where we will be playing our cricket,” said Bavuma.
“I live in Joburg so it would be nice to play here at home. I’m not ruling out any of the teams, I will play for any team. A young player could be bought for a big price so that could be life-changing too.”
Bavuma has recovered from his elbow injury, which kept him out of the Proteas’ ongoing series against England and is looking forward to getting match ready to lead South Africa at next month’s ICC T20 World Cup.
“I’m quite happy with where I am from a recovery point of view. It has been a frustrating time, but I am where I am now. I am looking forward to getting out and being back,” said Bavuma.
“My T20 game has been forced to evolve. The modern game of cricket is moving at a rapid rate and T20 cricket has influenced other formats. Personally, like a lot of players, I have had to adjust my game to keep up with the times.
“It has been exciting, always having a challenge and adapting your game to meet that challenge. The SA20 will be another opportunity to challenge myself and to add more to my game which will make me more effective.”
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