Faf du Plessis - SA20’s financial pull helps grow the game

du Plessis believes this will also make parents less reluctant to let their children play and want to make a career out of it, if they know that they can make a living from it.

He says this is an opportunity most of the players of yesteryear would have appreciated.

"It's great that there's money in the game, it creates more interest from guys at school level when they decide 'this is what I want to do one day'. From that perspective, it's great for attracting more attention to the game.

"More parents saying 'listen I need you to play in the SA20'," du Plessis said jokingly

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du Plessis says the competition also helps fast track the careers of younger players, and gives them opportunities they would not have gotten in their local franchises.

He says they also look forward to playing with their heroes in the tournament.

He believes that while the franchise always believed in retaining their more experienced campaigners' season after season, they have started to adjust to a new way of doing things and to attract younger players.

"Stephen Flemming has seen how the game is evolving, and I've certainly seen a shift in philosophy when it comes to backing younger players."

du Plessis - who boasts an impressive international record that includes 69 test matches, 143 ODIs, and 50 T20 Internationals - says although he is having fun in the T20 leagues, playing for his country is still the peak of his career.