Following the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith commended the Proteas men’s team’s performance and highlighted the growing optimism around South African cricket, both domestically and globally.

A respectable final saw the Proteas lose to India by a slim margin. Smith also wanted to congratulate the group.

Smith said, “The Proteas’ accomplishments at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup make us at SA20 proud.”

“From the beginning, the League and Cricket South Africa have aimed to provide South African cricket players access to a better caliber of domestic cricket, where they can network and pick up tips from some of the top players in the sport.

In addition to a distinctive fan experience that has attracted cricket enthusiasts back to our stadiums to cheer on their heroes on the field, provincial and international cricket are now connected by a bridge.

“Cricket players are exposed to intense pressure and competition, and this experience helped them in the US and the Caribbean.”

He was especially happy to see Ottniel Baartman, the most prolific wicket-taker in SA20 history, succeed in his first international showcase after making his debut.

Ottniel embodies the quintessential SA20 success tale. Smith praised the athlete, who was comparatively unknown before the SA20, for his transformation and increased self-assurance as a result of his interactions with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

Even though it was his first T20 World Cup, he performed well under extreme circumstances. The last over against Nepal and the four wickets against the Netherlands stick out, for sure.

Smith believes that the overall goals of SA20 are directly impacted by the Proteas’ performance in the US and the Caribbean.

“Cricket may once again inspire optimism in the nation’s population. These are items that have significance for us. stated Smith.

“We are dedicated to working with Cricket South Africa to provide our athletes the tools they need to succeed and to motivate the country’s next crop of cricket stars.

Through the SA20, we hope to have contributed to the development of South African cricket. Throughout the T20 World Cup, it has been heartening to hear players express gratitude for the league and the chance it has given to develop South Africa’s cricket potential.

Smith also wanted to commend Aiden Markram, the captain of the Proteas men’s T20 team, for his outstanding leadership throughout the competition.

“Aiden performed really well throughout the competition. Smith praised him for his tactical brilliance, well-thought-out strategies, and courage in making difficult decisions and convincing his team to follow through.

“Of course, we have seen Aiden lead in this way during the previous two SA20 seasons, as he led the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to consecutive championship titles.

The complete Proteas T20 Cup team is expected to compete in Season 3, the top T20 tournament in South Africa, which starts on January 9 and runs through February 8, 2025.