Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis has voiced his disapproval of the impact player rule being considered for the SA20 League. Speaking to the media ahead of the league’s third season, Kallis, who serves as the SA20 ambassador, explained why he believes this rule is not beneficial for the game.
“I don’t like the impact player rule because it reduces the importance of all-rounders,” Kallis said. “In South Africa, we are working hard to develop quality all-rounders, and this rule diminishes their role. I don’t want to see this implemented in the SA20.”
Sunrisers Eastern Cape Face Tough Challenge
Kallis also spoke about the Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s chances of defending their title for a third consecutive season. He admitted that the team would face an uphill battle.
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'Important to have strong teams, there is strength-vs-strength'
Jacques Kallis tells @tanujlakhina on SA20's successful seasons
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“They managed to defend the title for the second time, which was fantastic,” Kallis said. “But it will be even more difficult now, as every team will target them. They have a good strategy and an excellent coach, so I believe they can succeed, but it will be interesting to see how they perform.”
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape, led by captain Aiden Markram, have won the league’s first two seasons. They defeated the Pretoria Capitals in the inaugural final and secured their second title by beating the Durban Super Giants last season.
SA20 Season 3 Schedule
The third season of the SA20 League will kick off on January 9, 2024, with the opening match between two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town at St George’s Park. The tournament will conclude with the final at Wanderers Stadium on February 8.
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The playoffs will take place at three venues. The top two teams after the group stage will play in Qualifier 1 at St George’s Park, with the winner advancing to the final. The eliminator match between the third and fourth-placed teams, along with Qualifier 2, will be held in Centurion.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the new season to see if Sunrisers Eastern Cape can make history with a third straight championship win.