Graeme Smith, commissioner of the SA20 league, has said he would welcome more Indian cricketers in the South African T20 competition. He acknowledged that ongoing discussions with the BCCI continue on this matter. Currently, BCCI policy forbids any active Indian player from participating in overseas T20 leagues, whether they play international, domestic, or IPL cricket. Only retired players can join foreign leagues. Dinesh Karthik remains the sole Indian to have featured in SA20, representing Paarl Royals after retiring from all Indian cricket. The fourth season of SA20 will run from December 26, 2025 to January 25, 2026, coinciding with the traditional Boxing Day Test window. Smith also spoke about Cricket South Africa's interest in developing women's cricket further, possibly introducing exhibition matches similar to how the IPL laid groundwork for the Women's Premier League.
Indian Players and BCCI Policy
Smith expressed strong interest in attracting Indian talent to SA20, noting the popularity of Indian cricket in South Africa. All six SA20 franchises are owned by IPL team owners, making the league well-suited for Indian participation. However, BCCI regulations prevent active players from joining overseas T20 leagues. Dinesh Karthik became the first and only Indian in SA20 after formally retiring from Indian cricket. Smith explained that contracts with retired Indian players are negotiated directly between franchises and players. Franchises seek competitive players who can perform consistently while balancing the appeal of retired Indian stars with maintaining league competitiveness.
Scheduling Changes and Future Plans
The fourth SA20 season will begin on December 26, 2025, traditionally South Africa's Boxing Day Test date. Smith clarified that no international cricket was scheduled in this window according to the ICC Future Tours Programme. South Africa's tour of India ends on December 19, leaving one week before SA20 starts. Just two days after SA20 concludes on January 25, South Africa hosts West Indies for T20Is beginning January 27 in Paarl. The T20 World Cup follows in February in India. Smith also discussed developing women's cricket through grassroots programmes and potential exhibition matches, inspired by how India's Women's T20 Challenge led to the Women's Premier League launch.
Source: Link