Johannesburg, Feb 7 (PTI) Former South Africa captain and SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith feels the involvement of IPL owners puts his country’s league at an “advantageous” position over others to recruit Indian players “in any capacity” in near future.

Contracted and domestic Indian players are not allowed to participate in any other T20 leagues except the IPL, and it remains a contentious issue.

However, what gives Smith hope is that all six franchises in SA20 are run by owners who own IPL teams.

Smith, one of Test cricket’s finest captains, was quick to add that the BCCI would always have the final say on the matter since it involves their players.

“We think we are perfectly positioned if the BCCI ever changes their mind. Obviously, the relationship with the IPL owners does put us at an advantage, but it’s still a BCCI decision,” Smith told

Source: PTI News