'If SA20 Doesn't Happen ...': South Africa Test Head Coach Shukri Conrad Defends T20 League

Main South African players will feature in SA20 [x.com]

With South Africa naming a second-string squad for their upcoming Test series against New Zealand, talks about the dominance of T20 leagues have again gained prominence.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh lashed out at Cricket South Africa (CSA) for letting the main players take the field in SA20 2024, which clashes with the proposed series.

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South Africa's red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad defended CSA's decision to let players feature in the T20 league. As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, Conrad, after finishing the two-Test series against India, which ended 1-1, explained that SA20 helps keep Test cricket afloat, providing financial sustainability. 

Here's what Conrad said

"I don't think Steve Waugh is going to really care what I say but I love how everybody outside South Africa have become experts on South African cricket. Our hand has been forced. Everybody understands the SA20 has to happen. SA20 has to happen because it is the lifeblood of South African cricket. If it doesn't happen, we are not going to have Test cricket anyway. We've got to find a way to coexist with the league, we've got to co-exist with leagues around the world to ensure the sustainability of the game."

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CSA have already confirmed that no further such clash between SA20 and bilateral commitments will take place in upcoming FTP.  The Neil Brand-led African XI will play the first Test on February 4 in Bay Oval at Mount Maunganui.