Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @ABdeVilliers17
As South Africa gears up for the Men’s SA20 final between MI Cape Town and Sunrisers Eastern Cape, former Proteas legend and SA20 brand ambassador AB de Villiers has made an impassioned call for the creation of a Women’s SA20 League. His appeal underscores the rapid expansion of women’s cricket globally and aims to provide new opportunities for female cricketers in South Africa.
De Villiers believes the existing infrastructure and success of the men’s SA20 League create an ideal platform for a women’s edition. He emphasized that such a competition would not only entertain fans but also serve as a valuable development ground for young players learning from seasoned professionals. “I have seen some very successful women’s leagues, the incredibly successful women’s T20WC that South Africa played not very long ago,” he stated in a media interaction ahead of the SA20 final.
The push for a Women’s SA20 League is further reinforced by the success of established women’s tournaments worldwide. Leagues such as the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia and the Women’s Premier League in India have significantly boosted the visibility and growth of women’s cricket. De Villiers envisions a similar impact in South Africa, suggesting that a Women’s SA20 League could open new revenue opportunities through sponsorship, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales.
Beyond financial prospects, De Villiers sees the initiative as a crucial step toward achieving gender equality in cricket, in line with the global movement for inclusivity in sports. “Women’s cricket in general is growing incredibly fast and there is no reason why there shouldn’t be an SA20 women’s league,” he added, reinforcing his vision for a more inclusive future in South African cricket.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay ahead of the latest cricket industry trends by subscribing to our free cricexec “daily briefing” newsletter.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
