South Africa new T20 league can match IPL : AB de Villiers

The new league will have eight privately owned franchises and will operate in a model similar to that of the IPL, BBL, and CPL. Expressing his excitement about the tournament, de Villiers said, "I am so excited about it. It's going to be great. Lots of credit to Cricket South Africa for coming up with that. It's vital for our cricket. It will motivate some of the youngsters to stick around, to fight it through and to play for South Africa.

"The domestic tournament is going to do wonders for our cricket and I think it can definitely come up an IPL when it comes to entertainment and quality of cricket. With some of the names that I have heard who are interested in coming over, it's going to be fantastic."

I think there are quite a few countries already available. I am not sure about India.

de Villiers

The exact details of the schedule are yet to be released by Cricket South Africa. But reports suggest that it will be held in the South African summer between November and December. However, this will clash with the Australian summer and India’s season at home – which could lead to the absence of a lot of major players.

"I think there are quite a few countries already available. I am not sure about India. I haven't heard anything from them yet," de Villiers added.

A lot of international stars are already playing in the current T20 tournament in South Africa. This season Kevin Pietersen (Dolphins) and Kieron Pollard (Cobras) were involved while in the past Andre Russell (Knights), Owais Shah (Cobras), Darren Sammy (Titans), Dwayne Bravo (Dolphins), Sohail Tanvir (Lions), Craig Kieswetter (Warriors) and Chris Gayle (Dolphins and then Lions) have featured in the African tournament.