'I think SA20 can grow each player' - Aiden Markram believes SA20 can grow to become South Africa's IPL

South Africa's premier T20 franchise league, SA20 is set to get underway in its second season from January 10. The highly anticipated T20 competition is set to feature numerous top cricketing stars in the month-long event. Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SUNE) emerged victorious in the inaugural edition, securing a 4-wicket win over Pretoria Capitals in the final. Aiden Markram was honored as the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding contributions throughout the series.

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Now, before the commencement of the second season, Markram expressed his immense excitement for the second season of SA20. The right-hander believes that SA20 can foster emerging talents and could evolve into South Africa's equivalent of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The former SA U19 captain will enter the tournament in splendid form after notching a century on a challenging Cape Town pitch against South Africa. He also said that he has high hopes of accumulating runs ahead of the Indian Premier League and the T20 World Cup 2024.

"It is very exciting, last year it was a fantastic competition to be a part of and a great start to be what I believe, it will be a huge tournament moving forward. IPL gets huge appreciation because of how successful it has been for so many years. I think SA20 can grow each player," Markram told the press during the captain's meet.

It gives a great platform for June: David Miller

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According to David Miller, the SA20 tournament will serve as an excellent preparation for the T20 World Cup. Miller conveyed his enthusiasm, expressing his keen anticipation for the upcoming season, particularly in light of the success achieved in the previous year. He eagerly awaits this year, envisioning substantial attendance, abundant entertainment, and top-tier players across the nation. Emphasizing the significance of the season, Miller considered both the IPL and the SA20 competition.

"I am very excited, from what happened last season, the success that we had I am really looking forward to this year. Big crowd, lot of entertainment and seriously good players all the way through the country so it has been a big buildup. It is a big one; there is the IPL and then there is this competition so the more games you play, the more experience you gain so it really leads nicely to the World Cup. It gives a great platform for June," Miller said in the press conference.