NEW DELHI: Former South Africa gloveman
Mark Boucher
on Friday commended the Indian cricket board (
BCCI
) for creating a product like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and hoped that the
SA20
provides a similar platform to their young domestic players.
Boucher pointed out the tremendous success the IPL has had and said that it has 'boosted youngsters in India'.
The former Proteas cricketer also felt taking SA20 to India in future could be 'great' despite the logistical challenges.
Just like the 2009 edition of the IPL, which was held in South Africa due to general elections in India, Boucher said the SA20 could be organised in the cricket-crazy Asian nation.
"I think it's a great idea; I'm not against it. The IPL happened in South Africa, and we can do the same, as both cricketing nations share a great relationship,' Boucher said during a virtual media interaction on Friday.
"Although the challenges of playing in India will be different, it will still be great. Maybe Graeme Smith (SA20 commissioner) can work on it," he added.
The ongoing SA20 season has seen all the major South African stars participating in the competition.
Boucher said that although the opening season of SA20 was a trial, it follows the same principles as the IPL, where the aim is to give a platform to young cricketers to express themselves.
"The first edition was a success despite being a trial one; the crowd came in large numbers to watch high-quality cricket. The one thing we can learn from the IPL is how it has boosted the youngsters in India, and that's exactly what we are trying to do here.
"It still might take a couple of seasons to put us on the map, but I am confident of it helping and boosting South African cricket, just like the IPL's high-performance cricket."
The current SA20 is clashing with South Africa's upcoming Test tour of New Zealand, where a second-string side will be taking part, a move criticised by many in the cricket fraternity.
Speaking on the same, Boucher expressed concerns and felt that scheduling does need to get better in the coming years.
"Something has to be done; we need to get the scheduling right. Our best players are playing in the league (SA20), which is needed for it to be a success.
"This tournament was on the cards for a long time, so there should have been discussions with New Zealand to reschedule the tour. Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game, and you want the best teams playing against each other."
Boucher also hoped to see Indian players' participation in the future editions of SA20.
The tournament has six teams and all of them are owned by IPL franchises.
"Not sure why (Indians are not playing in SA20). Cannot answer it since it's above my pay grade. Maybe we will see them in the future.
"But we cannot blame or question the BCCI about it. Look at the product (IPL) they have created."
The current SA20 season is clashing with South Africa's upcoming Test tour of New Zealand, where a second-string side will be taking part, a move criticised by many in the cricket fraternity.
Speaking on the same, Boucher expressed concerns and felt the game's stakeholders will need to get the scheduling better in the coming years.
"Something has to be done; we need to get the scheduling right. Our best players are playing in the league (SA20), which is needed for it to be a success.
"This tournament was on the cards for a long time, so there should have been discussions with New Zealand to reschedule the tour. Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game, and you want the best teams playing against each other."
(With inputs from PTI)
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