A rivalry between two major cricket teams, South Africa's SA20 and UAE's Image of ILT20it has turned into a war of words.
SA20, which began its third edition on January 9 and is scheduled to end on February 8, continues with ILT20, from January 11 to February 9, 2025. Graeme Smithformer South African cricket captain and SA20 Commissioner. In response, the former Indian cricketer gave a very critical response.
SA20 vs ILT20: A clash between two cricket franchises
Speaking about the ILT20, Smith highlighted the SA20 and criticized the UAE-based league, emphasizing that the SA20 differentiates itself from the ILT20 by being a South African league that focuses on developing and benefiting South African players.
“We consider ourselves very different from the ILT20. We are a South African league, with many South African players, and our main goal is to benefit South African players,” Smith said at a press conference in Cape Town.
Graeme Smith's scathing comments on ILT20
Smith pointed out that the SA20 was set up differently from the ILT20, making it difficult for him not to criticize the league. He believes that over-reliance on foreign players without investing in local cricket will harm the game and spell trouble for the future of international cricket.
“We were drawn against the ILT20, so it's very difficult for me not to face them if I'm insulting them, but I feel like a league like that is not good for the game; that there are many international players needed to make the team; no money back into local cricket. This is a problem in international sports and something that needs to be driven forward,” he added.
Also WATCH: Joe Root cleans George Linde with a ripper in SA20 2025
Indian legend responds with a sharp growl
In a furious response, the former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag investigated Smith, saying that Smith's comments were motivated by jealousy, since the ILT20 attracts many international stars, unlike the SA20. He added that the ILT20 benefits from having established players and local talent in the UAE, who gain valuable experience playing alongside legends.
“I'm jealous there because we have a lot of international players coming, while their league is starved of international players. I understand his pain, but this is better for the ILT20. You see established players here alongside UAE talent where they play legends and experienced professionals,” Sehwag said on YouTube channel Snitch.