Former South African batsman AB de Villiers described the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a watershed point in cricketers’ lives. The former Proteas skipper anticipates that SA20 will have a comparable effect on South African cricket to that of the IPL on Indian cricket.
One of the most prolific foreign run scorers in IPL history, De Villiers began his career with the Delhi Daredevils in 2008 after being purchased for INR 11 crore at that year’s auction. However, despite averaging 19, the right-handed batter only scored 95 runs in six games that year.
The 38-year-old acknowledged that IPL players are quite enthusiastic, but he believed that his best memory was of sharing a dressing room with Glenn McGrath. Through SA Cricket Magazine, he stated:
“It was a huge occasion for me and a lot of the other players. The start of the IPL changed our lives. The people are really passionate about cricket. Not only with the home team but they support members in other teams as well. The biggest thing that stands out for me are the people that I met.”
“I think of Glenn McGrath and the time I spent with him. He was this hard guy and all of a sudden I am sitting with him in the changeroom and having a beer with him.”
“I think the SA20 comes at a really good time for South African cricket” – AB de Villiers
Prior to the SA20’s debut, de Villiers expressed his belief that the event will provide young players a lot of exposure and stated that players like Dewald Brevis will benefit from socialising with professional cricketers. He clarified:
“I think the SA20 comes at a really good time for South African cricket. We have seen the amazing things that these leagues have done to cricket in particular nations. To give our youngsters this base and the foundation to get exposure at the highest level against the best players in the world is what it’s all about.”
“Graeme and I have come a long way together, and to have him right at the top of SA cricket right now, making a lot of good calls, and changing things.”
On January 10, MI Cape Town and the Paarl Royals will face off in the first match of the six-team championship.
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