The start of this year’s edition of the SA20 was not mired in controversy and that’s a welcome change.
Last year, the SA20 began at the same time that the men’s Proteas team were scheduled to play New Zealand in a two-match Test series. However, in order for Cricket SA (CSA) to be financially successful it required that all their top players be contracted to play in the T20 competition.
CSA had stated their case to the International Cricket Council (ICC), but the Test series remained on the schedule and the Proteas sent an under strength squad to New Zealand. The Proteas were subsequently soundly beaten in the series, while many criticised SA for sending the inexperienced team over for the Test series.
It’s no secret that the big three of India, Australia and England effectively control world cricket. Scheduling is released by the ICC, which for years has been heavily influenced by the mercenary interests of the BCCI (India) as well as the ECB (England) & CA (Australia).
South Africa simply cannot compete with the financial sway of the big three and that’s the reason it’s so important for the SA20 to be a success, and thankfully for CSA it is.
That’s why it came as welcome relief as the third edition of the SA20 kicked off this week, and there were no conflicting international fixtures.
Even though the tournament opener on Thursday was a one-sided affair with MI Cape Town romping to a 97-run win over hosts Sunrisers Eastern Cape, it was like a breath of fresh air that there was no hint of controversy this time around.
The controversy can wait until the Champions Trophy next month, as we will wait and see if the calls to boycott Afghanistan fixtures is heeded. But that’s another story.