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Graeme Smith Bats For More Indian Players In SA20
Follow UsAs of now, the BCCI prohibits active Indian international and IPL players from playing overseas leagues
The SA20 league, South Africa’s premier T20 franchise competition, which is backed entirely by Indian Premier League franchise owners, is one of the fastest-growing domestic leagues in world cricket.
However, the tournament continues to miss the commercial and cricketing influence of Indian players because of the BCCI’s long-standing policy that prevents active Indian cricketers (domestic or international) from participating in overseas leagues. Only retired Indian players are eligible, which is how Dinesh Karthik became the first and only Indian to appear in SA20 last season.
Amid growing interest in the league’s expansion and India’s large fan base in South Africa, SA20 commissioner and former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith said he remains eager to welcome more Indian cricketers if the rules ever change.
“We would love to have more Indian players in SA20,” Smith said at a SA20 event in India, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
“Firstly, we would love to have more Indian players [in SA20]. I think whenever India play in South Africa, you can see the love for the Indian team. The talent is incredible. I think we will continue to work with the BCCI on these things. And I think if that ever changes with the six IPL franchises, I think we're perfectly suited to be able to attract Indian players,” he said.
Smith also clarified that the deal for Dinesh Karthik to join Paarl Royals was arranged directly between the player and the franchise, and the BCCI or Cricket South Africa (CSA) weren’t involved.
“Those type of contracts with Dinesh signing with Paarl Royals is always a direct deal between the franchise and the player. And I think, obviously, with retired players and more retired players coming, it's a balance between attracting that retired Indian player but still keeping your league competitive. Our franchises really want to win, as you've experienced in IPL and in SA20. So they're always looking for the best players who can perform consistently,” Smith said.
The fourth edition of SA20 will run from 26 December 2025 to 25 January 2026 across six cities.