Following the worldwide explosion of the IPL, franchise T20 cricket has taken root across the globe, giving rise to leagues like the Big Bash in Australia, the CPL in the West Indies, and the T20 Blast in the UK. In a fresh start after the Mzansi Super League folded, Cricket South Africa introduced SA20, a tournament specifically aimed at showcasing and developing the next generation of home-grown players.
Franchise T20 tournaments have germinated around the world after the Indian Premier League (IPL) attained global popularity over the years. All the countries have their respective T20 leagues like Big Bash League in Australia, the Caribbean Premier League in West Indies, the T20 Blast in England, etc. After a discontinued Mzansi Super League, Cricket South Africa with renewed hopes has put in place SA20, which from the outset looks like an excellent product to give more opportunities to their young domestic players.
The 2023 SA20 season has immediately captured public attention, aided by the fact that the six teams are owned by the same figures behind the IPL franchises. The excitement is pushed even higher by a star-studded international lineup including names like Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, Jason Holder, Liam Livingstone, Jason Roy, Sam Curran, and Alzarri Joseph.
Here are three players who could truly steal the show in the SA20. Starting with Tristan Stubbs of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who entered the league as the top auction buy at Rs. 9.2 million. At just 22, Stubbs was a force in the CSA T20 Challenge, ranking second in runs with 293 in seven games and a blistering strike rate of 183.12. He is not only a dangerous power-hitter capable of clearing the ropes with ease but also a sharp runner between wickets. Additionally, he provides versatility on the field and may even chip in with some off-spin bowling.
Then there is Dewald Brevis, a young talent who already has experience in both the IPL and CPL. MI Cape Town wasted no time in securing him. At 19, Brevis is a fearless attacker often dubbed 'Baby AB' due to his incredible 360-degree hitting range. After topping the run charts in last year's U19 World Cup, he continued his form in the CSA T20 tournament, where he hammered a stunning 162 off just 57 balls for the Titans, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with a strike rate of 176.75.
Rounding out the list is Josh Little, whose breakout 2022 season catapulted him to T20 stardom. The Irish pacer was one of the most effective bowlers in T20 Internationals last year, claiming 39 wickets. Now playing for the Pretoria Capitals, this left-arm seamer is feared for his raw pace, his ability to swing the ball in the air, and his knack for moving it off the pitch.
The SA20 action kicks off tonight with a highly anticipated clash between MI Cape Town and David Miller's Paarl Royals at Newlands Ground.