South Africa’s veteran fast-bowler Dale Steyn has spared a thought for the South African youngsters after the postponement of the T20 Global League.
Cricket South Africa’s hopes of starting a franchise T20 League on the lines of the Indian Premier League took a big blow as the tournament, which was scheduled to be played from November 3 until December 16, has been postponed this year due to financial issues as well logistics of a franchise tournament.
As of now, CSA has not announced any alternate tournament, but the domestic T20 competition is likely to play during that period. But even that would not make up for the setbacks the players would have received as they were hoping to pocket some hefty amount and Steyn, who plays franchise cricket across the world, is well aware of that.
“I feel for the younger guys, the guys who were set to earn some cash and were maybe looking at buying a flat or a car. The excitement gets to you, especially when you’re young and all of a sudden you get the opportunity to earn US$100,000,” Steyn was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “Could you imagine being 21 and someone offers you 100,000 dollars and then three weeks later says, ‘oh you are not getting it anymore’. It kind of ruins your plans and hopes.”
Steyn further insisted that not only money, the young players have also been robbed off a chance to showcase their potential.
“For the older players, it does not matter so much, they are set. You look at AB [de Villiers], anybody in the world would take AB, any team. He doesn’t have to prove himself but maybe a Dane Paterson, who is just making his way and was set to earn some money… This would have been a nice platform for him and other guys. It’s unfortunate but it’s the way it is,” Steyn rued.