SA20 Commissioner Graeme Smith Criticizes UAE ILT20

Graeme Smith, the commissioner of South Africa’s SA20 league and a former cricket captain, has raised concerns about the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20). He believes the tournament is bad for cricket because it does not focus on local talent.

At the Captain’s Day press conference in Cape Town, Smith compared the SA20 and ILT20. He explained why the SA20 is better for cricket in the long run.

ILT20 Allows Too Many International Players

The ILT20 lets teams have up to nine foreign players in their playing XI. This means only two spots are left for local UAE players.

Smith said this structure does not help cricket grow in the UAE. “A league like that is not good for the game,” he said. “There’s no investment back into local cricket.”

In contrast, the SA20 allows only four international players per XI, ensuring that most players in the team are South Africans.

ILT20 UAE Teams 2025

SA20 Promotes Local Talent

The SA20 uses a model similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both leagues focus on improving local cricket by limiting the number of overseas players.

“We see ourselves as very different to the ILT20,” Smith said. “We’re a South African league, with a majority of South African players, and our goal is to benefit South African cricket.”

Smith believes the SA20 helps young South African players compete with top international cricketers, which prepares them for international cricket.

Global Cricket Needs Balance

Smith said that leagues like the ILT20 are a problem for the global game. “It’s difficult for me not to come across like I’m bad-mouthing them,” Smith admitted. “But a league like that, with so many international players, is not good for the game.”

He explained that the lack of investment in local talent is a serious issue. “This is something that needs to be managed going forward,” Smith added.

SA20 Is Growing Stronger

The SA20 is entering its third season on January 9, 2025. The first match will feature defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape against MI Cape Town in Gqeberha.

Since its launch, the SA20 has become one of the biggest cricket leagues outside the IPL. It has focused on promoting South African cricket while also providing entertainment for fans.

“We’ve built the SA20 to the point where players want to play here,” Smith said. “It’s competitive, there are good crowds, and the standard of cricket is high.”

What Makes SA20 Unique?

The SA20 is designed to help South African players grow. The league brings in the best international players, but only in a supporting role.

Smith said this balance is important. “We want to benefit South African players while putting on a global league,” he said.

The SA20 has also worked closely with Cricket South Africa (CSA). Smith said this cooperation ensures that the league does not interfere with national team commitments.

ILT20 vs. SA20

The ILT20 will start on January 11, just two days after the SA20 begins. Both leagues will overlap for several weeks.

While the ILT20 focuses on international players, the SA20 highlights local talent. This is where Smith believes the SA20 has the upper hand.

“Our focus is different,” Smith explained. “We want to create opportunities for our players and build a future for South African cricket.”

Fan Support and Success

The SA20 has been a huge success with fans. Last season, 70% of tickets were sold, and there was a 21% increase in global viewership.

The league has also turned a profit since its first season. This money helps support cricket in South Africa.

Fans enjoy the exciting matches, the one-handed catch competitions, and the chance to see top players in action.

A Warning for Other Leagues

Smith’s comments about the ILT20 are a warning for other cricket leagues. He believes it is important to invest in local talent to keep the game healthy.

“The challenge for cricket globally is to support local systems,” Smith said. “That’s what we are trying to do with the SA20.”

By limiting international players and focusing on South African cricket, the SA20 has created a model that other leagues can follow.

Why is ILT20 UAE a unique league?

The ILT20 in the UAE is considered a unique league for several reasons, primarily due to its structure, format, and focus on international talent. Here are the key aspects that make it stand out:

1. High Number of International Players

The ILT20 allows up to nine international players in the playing XI.
This is a stark contrast to other leagues like the IPL and SA20, which cap the number of overseas players at four per XI.
This feature attracts a large pool of global stars, making the ILT20 a platform for international cricketers to showcase their skills.

2. Alignment with UAE Demographics

The UAE has a unique population structure, with only about 11.5% of residents being Emirati.
By allowing more international players, the league reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the UAE, catering to its diverse audience.

3. Competitive Pay and Opportunities

The ILT20 offers lucrative contracts, drawing top-tier players who might not play in other leagues.
It provides cricketers with another high-profile competition during a busy T20 calendar.

4. Franchise Ownership and Global Connections

Half of the ILT20’s teams are owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, adding a layer of credibility and professionalism.
This association with the IPL ensures high-quality management, branding, and fan engagement.

5. Ambition to Grow UAE Cricket

While dominated by international stars, the league also includes local UAE players.
Efforts are underway to increase the development of Emirati talent through grassroots programs and exposure to top-level cricket.

6. Strategic Timing in the T20 Calendar

The league’s schedule overlaps with other major tournaments like the SA20, but it still manages to draw attention.
It strategically taps into a period when players are available, especially those who are not part of national commitments.

7. High-Quality Broadcast and Marketing

The ILT20 has invested heavily in state-of-the-art production to appeal to a global audience.
Matches are broadcast in multiple countries, giving it a wide reach and making it a truly international league.

8. A Growing Cricket Culture in the UAE

The UAE has hosted many high-profile international cricket tournaments, including the IPL, T20 World Cups, and Asia Cup.
The ILT20 capitalizes on this infrastructure and fan base, creating a vibrant cricketing environment.

Challenges and Criticism

Critics, like SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith, argue that the heavy reliance on international players limits opportunities for local UAE talent.
The league is also seen as prioritizing entertainment and profits over long-term development.

Conclusion

The ILT20 is unique because of its global appeal, heavy reliance on international players, and alignment with the UAE’s diverse demographics. While it offers a different model compared to leagues like the IPL or SA20, it faces the challenge of finding a balance between attracting global stars and nurturing local cricket talent.