Could Karthik’s presence at SA20 bring Dhoni into the fold?

MS Dhoni at the SA20? If Graeme Smith could make it happen, he would. 

“Hopefully we can have some nice big ambassadors [for the SA20]. Maybe we can get hold of MS [Dhoni], if he doesn’t play one more year and eventually retires,” Smith said in jest. 

But there was an element of seriousness in that remark that highlighted a desire of the many T20 leagues that now occupy cricket’s squashed calendar. To gain relevance, to increase market share and advertising, leagues like the SA20 need a big Indian audience. 

SA20 has teams owned by India’s biggest conglomerates. The most glamorous and popular Indian Premier League (IPL) teams — the Super Kings and Mumbai Indians — own franchises in the two largest cities in South Africa. The tournament takes place at a convenient time for Indian television audiences and Smith explained that the viewing figures for SA20 in India have been good. But there is room for improvement. 

Hence the addition of Dinesh Karthik — initially — as an ambassador. Karthik played more than 250 IPL matches for five different franchises and was part of the Mumbai team that won the competition in 2013. He has more than 150 caps for India, was in the side that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, and recently has transitioned into a popular TV commentator. 

He also announced his retirement from the game earlier this year, but has changed his mind for the SA20. “We are lucky to have him. That he chose to be involved in the event is good,” Smith said.

Karthik’s presence on the field for the Paarl Royals is an important step for Smith and the SA20 as it continues to mark its territory in the T20 League space. 

The SA20 has in two years established itself as one of the highlights of the South African cricket season, but in a competitive T20 franchise market, that has put it up against other tournaments including the Big Bash in Australia and the ILT20 in the UAE, the SA20 has to work hard to garner attention — especially in India. 

“The Indian market is crucial to success,” said Smith. In cricket, attracting Indian eyeballs, is almost as important as winning a World Cup. 

Having all the SA20 teams as part of the IPL ownership, is one step. But IPL franchises also own teams in the ILT20, Major League Cricket in the US and in the Caribbean Premier League. England is also opening up its Hundred tournament to private ownership with many IPL owners wanting to attach their names to teams in that country. 

Which makes it essential for SA20 to try to position itself as an attractive option for Indian players if the BCCI will allow its players to participate in leagues outside India. At the moment it doesn’t.

“It’s a work in progress,” Smith said. “Indian cricket has the right to protect their own entities and game. If anything does change, we are perfectly poised with our six franchises to attract [Indian players].”

The presence of Indian players in any league is a potential game-changer. “There is some incredible Indian talent,” Smith said. 

For now he is happy to keep the lines of communication open with the BCCI, leaning on their expertise in terms of competition structure, player contracts and commercial elements. “From a player's perspective, it's in their hands,” he explained. 

Smith has been encouraged by the star quality the SA20 has attracted. Besides Karthik, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Devon Conway have all signed up for next season’s SA20. 

“With how franchise cricket keeps growing, and in a tough play market, to see some of the international talent that is coming to us this year is exciting.” 

“We built [SA20] against serious competition. The ILT20 threw serious money at players, the Big Bash was an established event, so to be here two years later, where people are choosing to be in South Africa in January, is encouraging. Conway and Williamson have said it's where they want to be.”

Despite already showing its financial value to CSA — which is the tournament’s majority shareholder — Smith has emphasised the SA20’s importance to cricket goes well beyond just money. 

From strengthening the Proteas, to its involvement in the establishment of a schools competition and hopefully a women’s event, SA20 also needs to raise cricket’s profile.

“Lifting the industry especially in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup ... if we can put on the biggest event every year and by the time the World Cup comes here, cricket has its gravitas back, then that is a massive legacy for cricket in this country.”