NEW DELHI: South Africa's inaugural SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith is more than happy to have former Indian skipper MS Dhoni playing in the league and quite keen to reach out to the World Cup-winning captain if he gets an opportunity.
Dhoni, 41, only plays in the IPL since retiring from international cricket in 2020. With his involvement in the IPL, he is not eligible to play in overseas leagues at the moment.
No Indian is taking part in the South African league's first edition.
"It will be amazing to have a guy like MS here. We respect the BCCI's decision. We have created a good working relationship with them and we talk to them regularly, learn and bounce ideas off. They are hugely experienced in organising these types of big events," Smith said in a media interaction.
"From our perspective, we looked at one or two opportunities (retired Indian players). We wanted to build a vibrant young and up and coming competitive cricketing league. Someone like MS would add a lot of value to our league. If there was an opportunity, I will reach out to him."
On teams using IPL like jerseys and logos in South Africa, the tournament looks like an extension of the world's biggest T20 league, former SA skipper Smith said nothing has been raised from the Indian board and clarified, "We have a close relationship with the BCCI and nothing of that sort has been raised."
(With inputs from PTI)
