As South Africa prepares for the Men’s SA20 final between MI Cape Town and Sunrisers Eastern Cape, former South Africa legend has made a passionate plea for the establishment of a Women’s SA20 League. His call highlights the rapid growth of women’s cricket worldwide and aims to create new opportunities for female cricketers in South Africa.
A vision inspired by global success
Ex-Proteas cricketer and SA20 brand ambassador AB de Villiers has advocated for the Women’s SA20 tournament. De Villiers believes that the existing infrastructure, strategy, and popularity of the men’s SA20 league provide the perfect foundation for a women’s competition. He emphasized that such a league would not only entertain fans but also serve as a platform for young players to develop their skills by learning from experienced professionals. A women’s league, he argues, could significantly boost cricket’s popularity in the country, potentially expanding the fan base and fostering greater inclusivity in the sport.
“I have seen some very successful women’s leagues, the incredibly successful women’s T20WC that South Africa played not very long ago,” said De Villiers in a select media interaction ahead of the SA20 final.
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Why a Women’s SA20 League makes sense
The push for a Women’s SA20 League is supported by the success of similar initiatives worldwide. Leagues like the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia and the Women’s Premier League in India have played a crucial role in promoting women’s cricket and elevating female athletes. De Villiers sees a similar opportunity for South Africa, suggesting that a Women’s SA20 League could generate new revenue streams through sponsorship, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales. Additionally, it would be a significant step towards achieving gender equality in cricket, aligning with global trends toward inclusivity in sports.
“Women’s cricket in general is growing incredibly fast and there is no reason why there shouldn’t be an SA20 women’s league,” added De Villiers.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
