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Pretoria Capitals captain Wayne Parnell believes the inaugural SA20 league is just what the local game needs as Cricket South Africa look to bring excitement back to the domestic scene.
Six franchises will battle it out in 33 matches over the next four weeks for a prize purse of R70 million, with a host of Proteas and international stars expected to entertain on the pitch.
The Proteas came under fire following their shock early exit at the T20 World Cup in Australia last year, Parnell reckons the SA20 League could aid the national team to grow their selection pool.
"I think it's massively important this. It's the kind of feeder system to the Proteas. I think with it also being new teams, still playing at venues that are established, we obviously want to attract the fan base from the surroundings and that," Parnell told SABC Sport.
"And it's about trying to inspire the next generation of kids, so [that] when a 10-year-old kid comes to SuperSport Park and sees us playing, he thinks to himself, 'You know what, in 10 years' time I can be doing that as well.'
"So, finally to have this SA20 league here, it's actually massive. I don't even think people realise how big this is going to be, and how it's going to benefit cricket going forward."
MI Cape Town are largely seen as favourites and host Paarl Royals for the opening clash at Newlands on Tuesday at 17:30.
However, the 33-year-old pace bowler believes the spread of talent is equal across the board. And having featured in several international T20 leagues before, he points out the deciding factor will ultimately be the side that take their opportunities at their home venues.
"I think every team is strong, so I feel like playing at home and doing well at home is going to be key," he said.
"For ourselves, we obviously want to make SuperSport Park some sort of fortress, where, when teams come there, it's really tough for them to beat us.
"I think that's probably been the hallmark of most successful T20 teams in every league – it's playing well at home and then obviously when you travel it's to pick up victories as well.
"I think we have the squad to actually do that, we have a really powerful batting line-up and we've got good variety in our bowling as well.
"It's just about putting all of those things together, and just playing good cricket, entertaining everyone who comes out to watch – one thing I'm looking forward to most is just entertaining crowds."
