Former Proteas all-rounder JP Duminy expressed the ambition and goal of the Mzansi Super League in trying to grow the sport and standard of cricket in South Africa, writes Ongama Gcwabe.
The Mzansi Super League 2.0 trophy tour was in the City of Cape Town on Tuesday, 29 October 2019.
With all the criticism and debate surrounding the quality of cricketers in the South African domestic scene, Duminy expressed the ambition and goal of the Mzansi Super League in trying to grow cricket in the country.
“The main ambition and goal for the MSL is to attract the non-traditional cricket fan. Through the first edition of the MSL, we’ve seen that (happen), ”said Duminy.
“I think there’s a big revival within domestic cricket through the MSL.”
The first edition saw the rise of Rassie van der Dussen and Anrich Nortje, George Linde, Janneman Malan and Sinethemba Qeshile who went to make their international debuts.
Van der Dussen and Nortje, in particular, went on to established themselves as integral parts of the future of South African cricket with their regular selection.
“The most important one for me is that the youngsters get to match themselves up against the best in the world,” continued Duminy.
“You look at the likes of Dale Steyn playing against the Kyle Verreynne’s who’s really only faced him in the nets, now he gets to match himself up against him (Dale) in a professional environment.”
Having retired from International cricket after the World Cup, JP also acknowledged the importance of passing on the knowledge to the youngsters in trying to grow them into successful professional cricketers.
“The time in my career now is not necessarily all about performances, it’s about thinking beyond myself as a player, and it’s about the legacy, passing the knowledge to certain players about the style of play and mind-set,” added Duminy.
“That’s something I’m quite excited about.”
The MSL 2.0 gets underway on the 8th of November with the repeat of last year’s final between Jozi Stars and Cape Town Blitz.
Photo: SirCheese/CSA
