In a significant development for South African cricket, legendary Proteas batsman AB de Villiers has been appointed as the brand ambassador for SA20, the country’s premier domestic franchise-based T20 league. The announcement was made on December 2, setting the stage for an exciting Season 2, scheduled to kick off on January 10, 2024.
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The SA20 league expressed its pride in welcoming AB de Villiers, stating that his unparalleled cricketing expertise and charisma mark a pivotal moment in their quest to establish the tournament as the world’s most popular T20 league outside of India. With Season 2 featuring 34 matches over four weeks, the tournament aims to showcase the best of South African cricket, featuring elite domestic and international players from six global franchises.
Six teams will compete in SA20, including the Durban Super Giants, Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town, Paarl Royals, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and Pretoria Capitals. Sunrisers Eastern Cape emerged victorious in the inaugural season, defeating Pretoria Capitals in the finals back in February this year.
Speaking on AB de Villiers’ appointment, SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to have AB de Villiers join us as the brand ambassador for SA20 Season 2. AB’s exceptional cricketing talent and magnetic personality make him the perfect fit for our league.” Smith believes that AB’s involvement will elevate the league’s status, both on and off the field, and inspire players while engaging cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
AB de Villiers himself shared his honour in being associated with SA20, highlighting the league’s pioneering vision for South African cricket. He praised the league’s remarkable talent pool and international reach, recognizing it as a platform to showcase the finest of South African cricket on the global stage.
Known as ‘Mr. 360,’ AB de Villiers has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, scoring 20,014 runs in 420 matches for the Proteas, with 47 centuries and 109 fifties. His T20 prowess is equally legendary, having played in franchise leagues worldwide, notably for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
ABD will join forces with other South African cricket legends, including Herschelle Gibbs, Allan Donald, Dale Steyn, Mark Boucher, and Robin Peterson. This esteemed ensemble is expected to play a crucial role in advancing South African cricket to new heights, contributing actively to the league’s mission.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the start of SA20 Season 2, the addition of AB de Villiers as the brand ambassador adds an extra layer of excitement, promising a season filled with cricketing brilliance, entertainment, and the elevation of South African cricket on the global stage.
