The International League T20 (IL T20) addressed recent criticism from Graeme Smith, the commissioner of South Africa's SA20 league, regarding the UAE-based tournament's impact on the sport.
David White, CEO of IL T20, defended the league, highlighting its role in fostering cricket’s growth, particularly in associate nations, and its contributions during global cricket crises.
"Oh, Mr. Smith, it's not our policy to speak about other leagues," White said.
Former South African cricket legend Graeme Smith claimed that IL T20's heavy reliance on international players and limited investment in local cricket posed challenges to the global game.
"We've been built up against IL T20, so it's very difficult for me to not come across as bad-mouthing them, but I do feel like a league like that is not good for the game; there are that many international players required to build a team, and there's no investment back into local cricket," Smith recently said.
"That is a challenge for the world game and something that needs to be managed going forward," he added.
In response, White, a former CEO of New Zealand Cricket, refuted these claims, asserting that Smith’s comments were made without sufficient understanding of IL T20's objectives.
"Listen, he's entitled to his comments, but I just think that his comments have been made without doing any investigation. Maybe he should have taken the time to look at what we're looking to achieve, what we are achieving, and the importance that this league has in terms of the growth of cricket in the UAE, the wider Gulf, and the international game," said White.
"It's easy to dismiss the influence of the UAE. The UAE has got unbelievable facilities and privately invested facilities, and it is the backstop for all the ICC events," he added.
White emphasised IL T20's unique platform for players from associate nations, including Nepal, Malaysia, the USA, Scotland, the Netherlands, Namibia and Italy.
"We are the only league in the world that provides a platform for the associate countries to participate at this level. We've got players from Nepal, Malaysia, the USA, Scotland, the Netherlands, Namibia and Italy," he added.
He also pointed out how the UAE has consistently supported international cricket during crises, hosting major events like the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021,and the IPL during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"At the drop of a hat, whether it's the Bangladesh riots, the Champions Trophy, the IPL, or Covid... they come to the UAE. It's a turnkey solution. Beautiful stadiums, beautiful facilities, great training facilities, and of course, the UAE is very happy to host that. The contribution that the UAE makes to the global game is massive," he said.
Contrary to Smith’s assertions, White detailed IL T20’s investment in grassroots and community cricket. He revealed that 300 players participated in a development tournament, with 25 earning spots in IL T20 teams.
This exposure has already benefited the UAE national team, which qualified for the Asia Cup for the first time in eight years.
Additionally, White highlighted initiatives like school festivals, the reintroduction of secondary school competitions, and financial support for the Gulf Cup as evidence of the league's commitment to nurturing local talent.
White acknowledged the league's efforts to improve crowd attendance, a persistent criticism.
"Well, the big objective of season two was to increase crowds. We did that significantly. I'm really excited about tomorrow. Our sales are the best they've been, so we can have a packed house tomorrow. So it's gaining momentum," he concluded.
The third edition of IL T20 begins on Saturday at the Dubai International Stadium, with defending champions MI Emirates taking on Dubai Capitals.
- Graeme Smith
