Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
Proteas limited-overs captain, Temba Bavuma, believes the SA20 will provide a platform for South African players to share knowledge and skills with some of the best coaches and players in the world. The SA20 has attracted big ticket names like Stephen Fleming, Lance Klusener, Jos Buttler, Maheesh Theekshana, Faf du Plessis and Liam Livingstone to its roster, with more coaches and players to be unveiled at the auction taking place on September 19th.
“I’m excited for the upcoming SA20,” Bavuma said. “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. 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,’ he explained. “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. 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.”
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 $2million dollar purses to finalise their squads.
“The auction will be massive,” Bavuma said. “As players, we will get to know where we will be playing our cricket. I live in Joburg so it would be nice to play here at home, ha only kidding. 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.”
The Test vice-captain has recovered from the injury which kept him out of the ongoing series against England and is looking forward to getting match ready ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup and summer of cricket.
“I’m quite happy with where I am from a recovery point of view,” he said. “It has been a frustrating time, but I am where I am now. I am looking forward to getting out and being back.
“My T20 game has been forced to evolve” he admitted. “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.”
