SA20: Graeme Smith revealed that he has also paved the way for MS Dhoni’s entry and still holds out hope that he will join the league, defying the BCCI regulation.
Before the season kicked off last month, Graeme Smith, the controller of Cricket South Africa’s inaugural SA20 league, pointed out that Indian players’ involvement in the tournament is “BCCI’s prerogative.”
The Indian cricket board has enforced a firm “no” for its professionals. Despite other cricket boards permitting their players to play in leagues all around the world.
A player may only play in international competitions if all links to the BCCI and Indian cricket are severed. Therefore only departed stars have this option, and they have made use of it throughout the years.
In 2020, former India captain MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket. As a result, international cricket leagues have the opportunity of hiring one of the game’s top minds.
There was speculation that Dhoni will join the Joburg Super Kings training staff in the SA20 league a few months ago (JSK). Due to the BCCI regulation banning all connections with Indian cricket, including the IPL, it was ultimately rejected.
Smith On Dhoni:
Dhoni must leave his deal with Chennai Super Kings. The IPL team he still manages, in order to play in SA20 or any other overseas competition.
Smith said, in response to a question from Hindustan Times, that he has paved the way for Dhoni’s entry into the league despite the BCCI regulation and that he still hopes for his participation with the league in the coming years.
“Having a player like him would be incredible. However, as I’ve already stated, we always cooperate with and appreciate the BCCI. We have a great working connection with the company and have had opportunities to communicate with and develop with them.
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They have a tonne of experience hosting parties like the IPL or the World Cup, after all. And having that relationship is crucial for the SAT20. We considered it from our standpoint, and we saw one or two chances.
“A young, active, and fiercely competitive cricket league was one thing, however, that we truly wished to establish. And an MS would undoubtedly be very valuable to our league.
He brings a level to the league that we will be glad to have because of his lengthy history of being able to compete and continue operations in this field. But I would absolutely get in touch with Mahi if I ever had the chance “said he.
Dhoni is now preparing for the IPL 2023 season, where he will remain to the captain of the CSK team. If this is his last campaign in the lucrative league, that has yet to be determined.
