SA20 League Commissioner and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith shared that the event is open to experimenting with new things like the IPL’s Impact Player rule but it will take time, as he is focused on keeping it simple for the fans as well. However, the Impact Player rule, which allows teams to replace a player of choice at any point in the game, was first seen in the IPL and it had earned divided opinions on whether it should be there or not.

Smith said, “We have been less experimental compared to IPL and its Impact Player rule. While we continue to establish the tournament, we are ensuring that people understand the cricketing aspect of it,” Smith told PTI ahead of season 3 scheduled to be held in January-February next year. We want the quality of cricket to stand out and fans to enjoy it as much as they can. We have tried to keep it simple as per the rules at the global stage.”

However, Smith also said that it is too early to bring a change like that to the SA20 tournament as well.

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“We did look at it (Impact Player) for the season, but we felt that it is too early for us to implement it. We are only into our third season compared to BBL and IPL. So, it remains traditional for us, but we will think every season about the possibility of introducing new things,” he said.

With former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik all set to play in the upcoming season, Smith has shared that he is excited. Karthik will be playing for Paarl Royals in the competition and he will be the only Indian in it. However, Karthik announced his retirement from professional cricket earlier this year after his outing with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024, making him eligible to compete in overseas Twenty20 leagues now as well.

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“We’re happy to see DK come in this year. He’s been a fantastic cricketer and is coming off a terrific IPL. It’s exciting for someone of his ability to come to South Africa, both with bat and gloves,” Smith said.

“As for Indian players in the league, it is something we have always been patient about. It’s always on BCCI’s heads as to what they decide about the Indian players,” he added. “India has an immense talent pool, and everyone would want to see them play in our country. We’re close. We have a good relationship with the BCCI, and they have been extremely helpful in making good decisions around SA20. We do work closely and have open conversations all the time.”